Scientists discovered a “nightmarish” sea lizard species dating from 66 million years ago, known as Khinjaria acuta–which measured 8m long and sported dagger-like teeth–at a phosphate mine near Casablanca, according to a study published in the journal Cretaceous Research.
Researchers believe the species coexisted with dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.
Dr. Nick Longrich of the University of Bath, who led the investigation, stated that the “freakish” species possessed “a demon’s face and teeth like knives.”
Researchers described the creature as having a “nightmarish appearance” and “a terrific biting force” due to its fangs and strong jaw.
It also lead the researchers to discover the ideal name for the species.
“The word “khanjar” is Arabic for “dagger,” while “acuta” is Latin for “sharp;” therefore, it translates to “sharp dagger,” or “sharp knife,”” Dr. Longrich explained.
Khinjaria acuta belongs to the mosasaur family of gigantic marine lizards, which includes Komodo dragons and anacondas.
Longrich elaborated, “This is one of the most diverse marine faunas seen anywhere, at any time in history, and it existed just before the marine reptiles and the dinosaurs went extinct.”
Their disappearance freed up the waters for whales, seals, and fish like swordfish and tuna. However, this has resulted in fewer apex predators in the current marine ecosystem.
“Whether there’s something about marine reptiles that caused the ecosystem to be different, or the prey, or perhaps the environment, we don’t know […] But this was an incredibly dangerous time to be a fish, a sea turtle, or even a marine reptile,” concluded the scientist.