Metriorhynchus superciliosus
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Metriorhynchus Temporal range: 167–155 Ma Callovian - Kimmeridgian |
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| M. superciliosus, Senckenberg Museum of Frankfurt | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Suborder: | †Thalattosuchia |
| Family: | †Metriorhynchidae |
| Subfamily: | †Metriorhynchinae |
| Genus: |
†Metriorhynchus von Meyer, 1830 |
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Metriorhynchus is an extinct genus of marine crocodyliform that lived in the oceans during the Middle to Late Jurassic. Metriorhynchus was named by the German palaeontologist Christian von Meyer in 1830.Metriorhynchus was a carnivore that spent much, if not all, its life out at sea. No Metriorhynchus eggs or nests have been discovered, so little is known of the reptile's life cycle, unlike other large marine reptiles of the Mesozoic, such as plesiosaurs or ichthyosaurs which are known to give birth to live young out at sea. Where Metriorhynchus mated, whether on land or at sea, is currently unknown. The name Metriorhynchus means "Moderate snout", and is derived from the Greek Metrio- ("moderate") and -rhynchos ("snout").
Fossil specimens referrable to Metriorhynchus are known from Middle-Late Jurassic deposits of England, France and Germany.
Species in this genus were traditionally classed into two skull groups: longirostrine (long, narrow jaws) and brevirostrine (short, broad jaws). However, there has been some contention as to how many of these species are valid, especially those from the Callovian. All brevirostrine species have been transferred to the genera Purranisaurus and Suchodus.
Two longirsotrine species, M. acutus and M. leedsi have been referred to the genus Gracilineustes.
Fragmentary remains attributed to Metriorhynchus are known from South America during the Bajocian and Bathonian (both Middle Jurassic). However, phylogenetic analysis has shown that these species cannot be referred to Metriorhynchus.
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