Marine reptiles
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Kronosaurus. (2026). In Q-files Encyclopedia, Prehistoric, Marine reptiles. Retrieved from
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"Kronosaurus." Prehistoric, Marine reptiles, Q-files Encyclopedia, 11 Mar. 2026.
https://www.q-files.com/prehistoric/marine-reptiles/kronosaurus.
Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.
Kronosaurus 2026. Prehistoric, Marine reptiles. Retrieved 24 August 2026, from
https://www.q-files.com/prehistoric/marine-reptiles/kronosaurus
Prehistoric, Marine reptiles, s.v. "Kronosaurus," accessed August 24, 2026.
https://www.q-files.com/prehistoric/marine-reptiles/kronosaurus
Kronosaurus
Kronosaurus was a marine reptile of the pliosaur group (short-necked plesiosaurs) that lived during the Cretaceous in what is now Australia. It was one of the largest marine reptiles that has ever lived. Its massive head was about a quarter of its entire body length. Its strong jaws had conical teeth between 7 and 10 centimetres (3–4 inches) in length. It had a short neck, a bulky torso, four long, paddle-like flippers and a short, pointed tail.
Power and speed
Pliosaurs like Kronosaurus were the top predators of the Cretaceous seas. Armed with massive, teeth-lined jaws, they could prey on even the largest sea creatures. Kronosaurus's streamlined body was built for speed through the water. It “flew” through the water using its four paddle-like flippers, each nearly as long as a person is tall, in a style similar to that of sea turtles.
Facts about Kronosaurus
Pronunciation: CROW-noh-SAW-rus
Size: 9–10 m (30–33 ft) long
Where and when: Warm, shallow seas off Queensland, Australia, 110 million years ago (Mid-Cretaceous)
Prey: Turtles, plesiosaurs, elasmosaurs, fish, squid
Features: Sharp front teeth for trapping prey; back teeth good for crushing bones and shells; forward-facing eyes for good vision; powerful, agile swimmer
Relatives: Other pliosaurs, including Pliosaurus, Liopleurodon and Simolestes
Consultant: Chris Jarvis
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