4M long Prehistoric amphibian crocodile – Coming soon
The Koolasuchus cleelandi was a massive, primitive amphibian that lived during the Cretaceous period, alongside dinosaurs. At around four meters long, it looked like a mix between a giant newt and a crocodile.
Its large, flat head was packed with dozens of sharp, ridged teeth and 50mm tusks on the roof of its mouth, perfect for catching fish and shellfish—its favorite prey. Unlike crocodiles, it thrived in cool, crocodile-free rivers in southern Australia.
Discovered by Michael Cleeland in San Remo, Victoria, the Koolasuchus is a rare “living fossil,” having survived for 50 million years after most of its relatives went extinct. It’s also the fossil emblem of Victoria, celebrating its unique place in Australia’s prehistoric history.
Think of the Koolasuchus as an enormous, fish-hunting amphibian with crocodile-like features—truly a creature from an ancient, watery world!
Did you know – The Koolasuchus is not only rare in fossil records but also significant as a “living relic” of its time.
It survived for 50 million years after its temnospondyl relatives disappeared from the rest of the world, making it a unique example of evolutionary persistence. Its presence highlights the critical role of healthy aquatic ecosystems in supporting specialized species, drawing parallels to the importance of protecting modern-day habitats for amphibians, which are highly sensitive to environmental changes.
