Baryonyx

Overview

Baryonyx walkeri was a large, carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 to 125 million years ago. It is known for its distinctive crocodile-like skull and large, hooked claws, which it likely used for fishing.

Baryonyx was a medium-sized predator, measuring about 30 feet (9 meters) in length and weighing around 2 tons. Its name means “heavy claw,” a reference to its massive thumb claws.

Quick Facts

Diet

Carnivore (fish and small animals)

Speed

~20 mph (estimated)

Weight

~2 tons (1,800 kg)

Length

~30 ft (9 m)

Bite Force

~1,000 psi (estimated)

Discovery & Significance

Baryonyx was first discovered in 1983 in Surrey, England, by amateur fossil hunter William Walker. The discovery included a nearly complete skeleton, making it one of the most well-preserved theropods ever found. Its unique features, such as the crocodile-like skull and large claws, have made it a subject of fascination for scientists and the public alike.

The discovery of fish scales and bones in the stomach region of the Baryonyx fossil provided direct evidence of its piscivorous (fish-eating) diet. This makes Baryonyx one of the few theropods known to have primarily fed on fish.

Physical Characteristics

Baryonyx had a long, narrow skull with conical teeth, similar to those of modern crocodiles. Its jaws were adapted for catching and holding slippery prey, such as fish. The most distinctive feature of Baryonyx was its large, hooked thumb claws, which could grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length.

Its body was robust, with strong hind limbs and shorter forelimbs. Baryonyx likely used its claws to catch fish, similar to how modern bears fish for salmon. Its long, crocodile-like snout and conical teeth were perfectly suited for gripping slippery prey.

Baryonyx vs. Other Fish-Eating Dinosaurs

More Details

Baryonyx lived in what is now Europe during the Early Cretaceous. Its environment was characterized by rivers, lakes, and floodplains, which provided ample opportunities for fishing. Baryonyx was likely an opportunistic feeder, preying on fish as well as small dinosaurs and other animals.

The discovery of fish scales and bones in the stomach region of the Baryonyx fossil provided direct evidence of its piscivorous diet. This makes Baryonyx one of the few theropods known to have primarily fed on fish. Its long, narrow skull and conical teeth were perfectly suited for gripping slippery prey, while its large claws were likely used to catch and hold fish.

Baryonyx is one of the best-studied spinosaurids, a group of theropods that thrived in the Early Cretaceous. Its unique features and well-preserved fossils make it a key species for understanding the evolution of fish-eating dinosaurs.

References & Further Reading