ettaasuch

Ettaasuch, also known as Ettaasuchus, is a genus of large, predatory marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 99 to 94 million years ago. The genus is represented by a single species, Ettaasuchus jessupae, which was discovered in the Cedar Mountain Formation of Utah, United States. Ettaasuchus is notable for its large size, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to 10 meters (33 feet), making it one of the largest known marine reptiles.

Ettaasuchus had a robust body, with a long, narrow snout and a large, powerful bite. Its teeth were conical and serrated, adapted for crushing the shells of its prey, which likely included mollusks and other marine invertebrates. The reptile also had a large, triangular sail-like structure on its back, which may have been used for display or thermoregulation.

Despite its large size, Ettaasuchus is thought to have been a relatively slow-moving creature, adapted for a sedentary lifestyle. Its fossils have been found in large concentrations, suggesting that it may have aggregated in large groups to feed or reproduce. The genus Ettaasuchus is an important example of the diversity of marine reptiles that existed during the Cretaceous period, and its fossils provide valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of these ancient creatures.