This 13.45' (4.1 meter) crocodile skeleton is a breathtaking find from the Holzmaden Shale in Southwest Germany, a locality renowned for its exceptionally preserved fossil specimens. In addition to its jaw-dropping size, it boasts perfect articulation of bones and scutes, as well as many features that are rarely found preserved, including tracheal rings, skin impressions and jaws lined with complete rows of sharp teeth.

This marine predator once inhabited warm Jurassic seas that teemed with a variety of ammonites, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, crinoids (sea lilies) and many fish species. It predates Tyrannosaurus rex by over 100 million years.

_Steneosaurus_ closely resembles living crocodilians called gharials, which are native to India. Like the long-snouted gharial, it is thought to have been a fish-eater. Surprisingly, however, this extinct group is not directly related to the modern species.

Considerable time and skill was needed to reveal this specimen from the surrounding matrix - meticulous, specialized work using the latest techniques and equipment. The preparation was carried out to the most exacting of standards, bringing to life every detail while preserving the integrity of the fossil.

_Note that we have included pictures of the specimen in various lighting conditions._