Species
Chasmatosaurus alexanderi
Chasmatosaurus alexanderiAlso 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
Classification
- FamilyProterosuchidae
- SpeciesChasmatosaurus alexanderi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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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