Metriorhynchidae

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Metriorhynchids were a group of aquatic crocodilians that lived in seas of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Their fore-legs were reduced and paddle-like, and unlike their living cousins they lost their osteoderms ("armour scutes"). Their body shape maximised hydrodynamy, as did having a tail that had a fin-like a fish.

Metriorhynchids were the only group of archosaurs to become adapted to the marine realm.

Genera

The type genus for Metiorhynchidae is Metriorhynchus from the Middle to Late Jurassic. Other genera included within this family are Teleidosaurus, Geosaurus, Dakosaurus and Enaliosuchus. Genera considered nomen dubium within this family are Aggiosaurus and Neustosaurus.

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