Angaturama Facts
Pronunciation: an-gah-too-RAH-mah
Name meaning: Angaturama spirit
| Diet | Piscivore |
| Height | 2m |
| Length | 8m |
| Weight | 1.5 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Early Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | Brazil |
Angaturama was a large theropod dinosaur that prowled the ancient waterways of what is now Brazil during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago. This fascinating predator belonged to a group of dinosaurs specially adapted for catching fish, with distinctive features that set it apart from other carnivorous dinosaurs of its time.
The most remarkable feature of Angaturama was its elongated skull, which housed a narrow snout filled with sharp, conical teeth perfectly designed for gripping slippery fish. Like other members of its group, it likely spent much of its time near rivers and coastal areas, wading through shallow waters or stalking along shorelines in search of prey. Its powerful jaws and specialised dentition made it a formidable fisher in the prehistoric waterways of ancient Brazil.
Angaturama walked on two powerful legs and possessed strong arms with large claws, which it may have used to help catch fish or tear apart larger prey. The dinosaur's semi-aquatic lifestyle meant it was equally comfortable on land and in water, making it one of the most versatile predators of its ecosystem.
Scientists initially described Angaturama as a separate genus, but further research revealed that the fossil remains likely belong to the same animal as Irritator, another theropod discovered in the same rock formation. This highlights how paleontology is an evolving science, with new discoveries constantly refining our understanding of prehistoric life.
What made Angaturama distinctive?
Angaturama possessed an elongated, crocodile-like skull with a narrow snout and sharp, conical teeth ideal for catching fish. It had a distinctive sagittal crest running along the top of its skull, giving it a prominent ridge that may have been used for display purposes.
Behaviour
Angaturama was primarily a fish-eater that likely hunted by wading through shallow waters or standing motionless at the water's edge before striking at passing prey. It may have also scavenged along shorelines and occasionally hunted small land animals when fish were scarce.
Discovery
Angaturama was first described by Kellner and Campos in 1996. The original fossils were discovered at Romualdo Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil.
Angaturama FAQ
What did Angaturama eat?
Angaturama was primarily a fish-eater (piscivore), using its elongated snout and sharp, conical teeth to catch fish in rivers and coastal waters. It may have occasionally eaten other small animals or scavenged carcasses.
How big was Angaturama?
Angaturama reached approximately 8 metres in length and stood about 2 metres tall at the hip. It weighed roughly 1.5 tonnes, making it a substantial predator but not as large as some other theropods of its time.
When did Angaturama live?
Angaturama lived during the
Early Cretaceous period, approximately 120 million years ago. This was a time when flowering plants were beginning to diversify and many familiar dinosaur groups were evolving.
Where was Angaturama found?
Angaturama was discovered in the Romualdo Formation of the Araripe Basin in northeastern Brazil. This area was once a tropical lagoon system and has yielded many important dinosaur and pterosaur fossils.
How do you pronounce Angaturama?
Angaturama is pronounced 'an-gah-too-RAH-mah', with the emphasis on the final syllable. The name rolls off the tongue much like other Brazilian Portuguese words.
What does Angaturama mean?
Angaturama means 'Angaturama spirit', named after a legendary water spirit from Brazilian indigenous folklore. This name was chosen to reflect the dinosaur's aquatic hunting lifestyle.
How fast could Angaturama run?
The running speed of Angaturama is not well established from the fossil evidence. As a large theropod adapted for fishing, it likely moved at moderate speeds on land, prioritising stealth and precision over rapid pursuit.
What type of dinosaur was Angaturama?
Angaturama was a theropod dinosaur, specifically a member of the Spinosauridae family. Theropods were the group of mostly carnivorous dinosaurs that walked on two legs and eventually gave rise to modern birds.
Was Angaturama related to birds?
Yes, as a theropod dinosaur, Angaturama was part of the lineage that eventually led to modern birds. However, it lived much earlier than the first birds and retained many primitive dinosaurian features.
How many Angaturama fossils have been found?
Very few Angaturama fossils have been discovered - primarily skull fragments from the original specimen. The limited fossil material is one reason why scientists now consider it to be the same genus as the closely related Irritator.
