Astorgosuchus

Astorgosuchus skull

Astorgosuchus

Astorgosuchus is a genus of extinct crocodile that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. It belonged to the family Atoposauridae and was first described in 1999 by Buscalioni et al. The name Astorgosuchus is derived from the town of Astorga in Spain, where the fossils were discovered.

Description

Astorgosuchus was a relatively small crocodile, with a slender body and elongated snout. It had sharp teeth adapted for catching fish and small prey. The fossil remains of Astorgosuchus indicate that it was a semi-aquatic predator, similar to modern crocodiles.

Discovery

The fossils of Astorgosuchus were found in the Villar del Arzobispo Formation in Spain. The discovery of this genus provided valuable insights into the diversity of crocodiles during the Late Cretaceous period.

Classification

Astorgosuchus is classified within the family Atoposauridae, which includes other small crocodile genera such as Alligatorellus and Atoposaurus. These crocodiles were widespread during the Mesozoic era and occupied various ecological niches.

Paleobiology

Based on its anatomy, Astorgosuchus is believed to have been a swift predator in aquatic environments, preying on small fish and other aquatic organisms. Its slender build and sharp teeth suggest a diet primarily consisting of agile prey.