Sarcosuchus / Suchomimus

Sarcosuchus imperator and Suchomimus tenerensis They were two impressive predators from the Early Cretaceous that shared a habitat in what is now North Africa, specifically in the Elrhaz region of Niger. Although they belonged to different lineages—one a crocodilian and the other a theropod dinosaur—both adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and fed primarily on fish, playing ecological roles that, while similar, were clearly differentiated by their morphology and behavior.

Sarcosuchus imperator , often nicknamed the "super crocodile," was one of the largest crocodiles that ever existed. It measured up to 11 or even 12 meters in length and could weigh between 8 and 10 tons, far surpassing modern crocodiles in size. Its elongated skull, over 1.5 meters long, was filled with more than 100 conical teeth, ideally designed for catching slippery prey such as large fish, although it is also thought to have occasionally attacked terrestrial animals that came to drink. Its snout flared at the tip, a feature similar to that of modern gharials, reinforcing the hypothesis of a predominantly piscivorous diet. Its robust body, with thick dermal armor, made it a stealthy but deadly hunter from the water, stalking and ambushing with enormous power.

Suchomimus tenerensis was a large spinosaurid theropod dinosaur, measuring between 10 and 11 meters in length and weighing an estimated 2.5 to 5 tons. Its name, meaning "crocodile mimic," reflects its narrow, elongated snout, packed with blunt, conical teeth clearly adapted to catching fish, much like Sarcosuchus . Unlike other theropods, Suchomimus had long, curved claws on its hands, especially a main claw on the first finger, which it may have used to tear fish, pull them out of the water, or even manipulate other types of food. Its skull featured poorly developed nasal ridges and nostrils located further back than usual, an adaptation that suggests a semi-aquatic hunting style.

Both animals lived in an environment dominated by river systems, marshes, and lakes, and although they shared a piscivorous niche, they likely coexisted without direct competition thanks to differences in size, hunting techniques, and behavior. Sarcosuchus , more aquatic and an ambusher, hunted from the water, while Suchomimus , more mobile on land, could navigate banks and shallow areas with greater agility.

Together, Sarcosuchus and Suchomimus represent a remarkable example of evolutionary convergence between distantly related reptiles, adapted to a riverine ecosystem that favored specializations for fishing. Their fossils, discovered in the same geological formations, offer a fascinating window into the complex and competitive world of predators in Cretaceous Africa.

Approximate measurements of Sarcosuchus:

• 1:35 Scale Assembly Kit
• Length 151 mm 
• Height 82 mm
• Width 152 mm
• Snout-tail length 310 mm
• Base length 226 mm