There were several species of giant prehistoric crocodiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era (about 252-66 million years ago) and coexisted with dinosaurs. One such species was Sarcosuchus, also known as the “SuperCroc,” which lived in what is now Africa about 112 million years ago.
Sarcosuchus was one of the largest crocodile-like reptiles that ever lived, with an estimated length of up to 40 feet (12 meters) and a weight of up to 8 tonnes. Its skull alone was over 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and contained over 100 teeth, some of which were up to a foot (30 centimeters) long.
Sarcosuchus was not a true crocodile, but belonged to a group of prehistoric reptiles called crocodyliforms, which were the ancestors of modern-day crocodiles and alligators.
Based on its size and morphology, it is believed that Sarcosuchus was an apex predator in its environment, and could have easily taken down large dinosaurs like the sauropod Giraffatitan, which lived in the same area at the same time. However, it is not clear if Sarcosuchus actually hunted dinosaurs, or if it primarily preyed on other large animals such as fish, turtles, and even other crocodyliforms.
Ancient crocodiles first evolved abut 240 million years ago but modern crocodiles first appeared 80 million years ago. Only 23 species of crocs, alligators and caimans survive today, and many of them are endangered.