Cenaransuchus

Cenaransuchus is a genus of large, carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 97 to 93 million years ago. It is known from a single partial skeleton discovered in the Cenomanian-age Cenomanian Formation of the Cenomanian Basin in France. The genus was named and described by French paleontologist Paul Sereno in 1996.

Cenaransuchus is estimated to have been around 10 meters (33 feet) long and weighed approximately 2.5 metric tons (2.75 short tons). It is characterized by its large size, robust build, and distinctive features such as a long, narrow snout filled with conical teeth, and a large, curved claw on its second toe. These features suggest that Cenaransuchus was a powerful predator, capable of taking down large prey.

The classification of Cenaransuchus has been debated among paleontologists. Some researchers have suggested that it may be a member of the Abelisauridae family, a group of large, theropod dinosaurs known for their distinctive skulls and powerful hind limbs. However, others have argued that its unique features may place it in its own family, Cenaransuchidae.

Despite its large size and powerful build, Cenaransuchus is relatively poorly known due to the limited fossil material available. Further discoveries and studies are needed to fully understand the biology and behavior of this fascinating dinosaur.