Researchers say the Tylosaurus rex measured up to 43 feet long with powerful jaws and serrated teeth.
DALLAS, Texas — Researchers have made a massive discovery: a new species of mosasaur, the Tylosaurus rex.
This newly named apex predator “once ruled the ancient seas covering Texas nearly 80 million years ago,” the Perot Museum of Nature and Science said in a press release.
The T. rex of the sea, as it has been nicknamed, reportedly measured up to 43′ long with serrated teeth and exceptionally powerful jaws. Researchers say the fossils showed evidence of violent combat behavior not seen in other tylosaurs.
Many of the fossils used to identify the new species were found in North Texas, including the holotype specimen found near Lake Ray Hubbard.
One of the experts at Perot says the discovery of this species is why it’s important to “keep doing science.”
“Many of the specimens that contributed to this study have only been found in the last 15-20 years,” Dr. Ron Tykoski, the vice-president of science and curator of vertebrate paleontology, said.
The fossil is being exclusively housed on display at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas.