Fauna
Species

Chasmatosaurus alexanderi

Chasmatosaurus alexanderi

Also known as Alexander's Proterosuchid, Karoo Archosaur

These slender archosauriform predators stalked river channels and floodplains during the aftermath of the Permian-Triassic extinction event. Equipped with a distinctive, sharply downturned upper jaw lined with sharp conical teeth, they excelled at seizing slippery fish and small terrestrial vertebrates at the water's edge. Sprawling limbs and a strong, laterally compressed tail provided agile movement through both riparian mud and shallow freshwater currents.

CarnivorousSemi-aquatic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
ExtinctConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXExtinctRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyLystrosaurus, Micropholis, Freshwater fish
Predators
  • Erythrosuchus
  • Large temnospondyls
ThreatsEarly Triassic climatic fluctuations and ecological turnover
HabitatsRiver margins, floodplains, and lacustrine wetlands
Life spanEstimated 15–25 years
  1. FamilyProterosuchidae
  2. SpeciesChasmatosaurus alexanderi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Extinct fossil species known only from Early Triassic skeletal remains.
Responsible observation
  • Fossil Study: Examine Karoo Basin museum specimens to view the distinct down-curved premaxilla.
  • Field Geology: Search for fossil horizons in Beaufort Group mudstones associated with riverbeds.
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