Ostafrikasaurus Facts
Pronunciation: OSS-tah-free-kah-SORE-us
Name meaning: East African Lizard
| Diet | Piscivore |
| Height | Unknown - estimated 2-3m |
| Length | Unknown - estimated 8-10m |
| Weight | 1 tonnes |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Late Jurassic |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | Tanzania |
Ostafrikasaurus is a potentially dubious theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 156 to 145 million years ago, in what is now Tanzania. This prehistoric predator is known from only two fossilised teeth discovered in the famous Tendaguru Formation, making it one of the most enigmatic dinosaurs ever described.
The teeth that define Ostafrikasaurus are thick and heavily serrated, suggesting it was a formidable predator. Based on comparisons with similar theropods, scientists believe it likely fed primarily on fish, though it may have been an opportunistic hunter that also preyed on other dinosaurs. The distinctive tooth shape indicates powerful jaws capable of gripping slippery prey and tearing flesh.
Originally, the teeth were misidentified and attributed to other dinosaur genera, including Labrosaurus and Ceratosaurus, both known from North America. It wasn't until 2012 that French palaeontologist Eric Buffetaut recognised these African specimens as belonging to a distinct species and named Ostafrikasaurus crassiserratus. The name reflects both its geographic origin - referencing German East Africa where the fossils were found - and the thick, serrated nature of its teeth.
However, the sparse fossil evidence means that Ostafrikasaurus remains scientifically controversial. Many palaeontologists consider it a nomen dubium - a doubtful name - because two isolated teeth simply aren't enough material to confidently establish a new dinosaur species or determine its exact relationships to other theropods.
What made Ostafrikasaurus distinctive?
Ostafrikasaurus is characterised by its thick, heavily serrated teeth that are distinctively robust compared to other theropods. The teeth show particularly prominent serrations along their edges, giving them a saw-like appearance ideal for cutting through flesh and bone.
Behaviour
Based on its tooth structure, Ostafrikasaurus likely spent time near water sources hunting for fish, though it may have been an opportunistic predator. The robust nature of its teeth suggests it could tackle relatively large prey and was capable of delivering powerful, crushing bites.
Discovery
Ostafrikasaurus was first described by Eric Buffetaut in 2012. The original fossils were discovered at Tendaguru Formation, Lindi Region, Tanzania.
Ostafrikasaurus FAQ
What did Ostafrikasaurus eat?
Ostafrikasaurus was likely a piscivore (fish-eater) based on its tooth structure, though it may have been an opportunistic predator that also hunted other dinosaurs and animals. Its thick, serrated teeth were well-suited for gripping slippery fish and tearing flesh.
How big was Ostafrikasaurus?
The size of Ostafrikasaurus is highly uncertain since only two teeth have been found. Based on comparisons with similar theropods, scientists estimate it may have been 8-10 metres long, stood 2-3 metres tall at the hip, and weighed around 1 tonne, but these are very rough estimates.
When did Ostafrikasaurus live?
Ostafrikasaurus lived during the
Late Jurassic period, approximately 156 to 145 million years ago. This was a time when East Africa had a much wetter climate with rivers and coastal environments.
Where was Ostafrikasaurus found?
Ostafrikasaurus was discovered in the Tendaguru Formation in the Lindi Region of Tanzania, East Africa. The fossils were collected during German expeditions between 1909 and 1912, though they weren't properly identified until 2012.
How do you pronounce Ostafrikasaurus?
Ostafrikasaurus is pronounced 'OSS-tah-free-kah-SORE-us'. The name breaks down into 'Ostafrika' (German for East Africa) and 'saurus' (lizard), so it means 'East African lizard'.
What does Ostafrikasaurus mean?
Ostafrikasaurus means 'East African lizard'. The name comes from 'Ostafrika', the German word for German East Africa (the colonial name for Tanzania), combined with 'saurus' meaning lizard. The species name 'crassiserratus' means 'thick and serrated', referring to its distinctive teeth.
How fast could Ostafrikasaurus run?
The speed of Ostafrikasaurus is unknown because only teeth have been found - no leg bones or other skeletal remains that could indicate its locomotion abilities. Without more complete fossils, it's impossible to estimate how fast it could move.
What type of dinosaur was Ostafrikasaurus?
Ostafrikasaurus was a theropod dinosaur, specifically thought to belong to the Spinosauridae family. However, this classification is highly uncertain due to the limited fossil evidence - only two teeth have been discovered.
Was Ostafrikasaurus related to birds?
As a theropod dinosaur, Ostafrikasaurus would have been more closely related to modern birds than other dinosaur groups. However, if it truly belongs to the Spinosauridae family, it would be from a branch of theropods that went extinct and didn't lead directly to birds.
How many Ostafrikasaurus fossils have been found?
Only two fossilised teeth of Ostafrikasaurus have ever been discovered. This extremely limited fossil record is why many scientists consider it a dubious genus - there simply isn't enough material to be certain it represents a distinct dinosaur species.
