Mosasaurus was a carnivore. It lived in the Cretaceous period and inhabited Europe and North America. Its fossils have been found in places such as Centre-Loire Valley (France), South Dakota and Nebraska.

The Mosasaurus was an enormous aquatic lizard of the late Cretaceous, dwelling in what would become the North Atlantic Ocean. It is named for the Meuse river where the first fossil specimen was discovered.

The largest species of the Mosasaur species could grow to over 50 feet long, with a streamlined skull bristling with teeth, a barrel like trunk for its midsection, and a long, powerful tail. It was an aquatic reptile, not a fish, as evidenced by its two sets of fins. Early paleontologists initially suspected that the Mosasaur was an ancient crocodile or monitor, but eventually it became clear that it was a different species altogether, unrelated to any modern animal.

Mosasaurus lived near the surface of the water, since it breathed air, much as whales do. They were carnivores, feeding on whatever edible animals were unfortunate enough to cross their path - likely fish, plesiosaurs, and even other Mosasaurs!

Quick facts about Mosasaurus:

  • Existed from Upper Cretaceous Epoch to 61.7 million years ago
  • Lived in a terrestrial habitat
  • Was a carnivore
  • 31 different specimens have been found by paleontologists

All the Mosasaurus illustrations below were collected from the internet. Enjoy and explore: