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Science & Nature • Paleontology

Carcharodontosaurus

Carcharodontosaurus is a genus of large carnivorous theropod dinosaurs that lived in North Africa during the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous, about 99 to 94 million years ago.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carcharodontosaurus is a genus of large carnivorous theropod dinosaurs that lived in North Africa during the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous, about 99 to 94 million years ago. It is classified in the family Carcharodontosauridae and currently includes two recognized species: C. saharicus and C. iguidensis.

Discovery and naming

Carcharodontosaurus was named by Ernst Stromer in 1931. Its name refers to shark-like teeth, a feature that inspired the genus name.

Classification

The genus is a theropod dinosaur in the family Carcharodontosauridae. It is part of the lizard-hipped dinosaurs (Saurischia).

Anatomy and size

Carcharodontosaurus is known from large skull and body fossils that indicate a very large carnivorous dinosaur. Estimates from popular reference sources place it among the largest terrestrial predators of the Cretaceous.

Fossil record

Fossils attributed to C. saharicus have been reported from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, and fossils of C. iguidensis from Niger. These finds place the genus in northern Africa during the Late Cretaceous.

Key facts

  • Carcharodontosaurus was a large predatory dinosaur from North Africa.
  • It lived during the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous, about 99 to 94 million years ago.
  • The genus belongs to the theropod family Carcharodontosauridae.
  • Two species are generally recognized: C. saharicus and C. iguidensis.
  • Fossils of C. saharicus have been found in present-day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, while C. iguidensis is known from Niger.

Frequently asked questions

What is Carcharodontosaurus?
It is a genus of large carnivorous theropod dinosaurs from North Africa.
When did Carcharodontosaurus live?
It lived during the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous, about 99 to 94 million years ago.
How many species are known?
Two species are currently recognized: C. saharicus and C. iguidensis.
Where were its fossils found?
Fossils have been found in present-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Niger.
What does the name mean?
The name refers to shark-like teeth and is commonly rendered as “shark-toothed lizard.”

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Carcharodontosaurus
    Supports: Genus classification, Late Cretaceous age, North African range, two species
  2. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/carcharodontosaurus.html
    Supports: Late Cretaceous date range and shark-tooth name meaning
  3. GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/165636545
    Supports: Genus authority, taxonomic placement, two species
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/anatomy-and-physiology/carcharodontosaurus
    Supports: Size range and North African Late Cretaceous occurrence