Namlulus

Namlulus is an extinct genus of a large prehistoric crocodile. The species was first discovered in 1992 in the Tarbur Formation, a geological formation in the Middle Euphrates Valley, Turkey. Since then, several fossil remains of the creature have been found in the same region.

The name Namlulus comes from the Turkish word "namlu," meaning "arrowhead." This refers to the distinctive pointed snout of the crocodile, which resembles an arrowhead in shape. The specific name "ludee" is derived from the Latin word "ludens," meaning "playful," due to the playful appearance of the creature's skull.

Namlulus is estimated to have lived during the early Cretaceous period, approximately 145 to 100 million years ago. As a member of the fish-eating brachyuchamine subfamily, Namlulus was a semi-aquatic animal that inhabited the rivers and coastal regions of what is now Turkey.

The fossil remains of Namlulus include well-preserved skull and vertebral segments. Studies of these remains suggest that the creature's snout was characterized by a very short, broad mandible and a distinctive Notaria-Expanded type dental roof. Namlulus was likely a highly specialized predator that fed on fish, which would have lived in the same environment.

Despite its eventual extinction, Namlulus's unique characteristics and adaptations make it a significant subject of study in paleontology. As more information becomes available from fossil discoveries, scientists continue to refine their understanding of this enigmatic ancient reptile.