Ceratosaurus was a medium-sized Late Jurassic theropod. It would have lived alongside Stegosaurus and Allosaurus.
Fact File
Length: 6 metres
Height: 2 metres
Weight: 500kg
Diet: Carnivorous
Name
Ceratosaurus means 'Horned Lizard', referring to the horn on its nose, and possibly the two bumps above the eyes. None of these horns are actually strong enough to be used in offense or defence, so their purpose is a mystery. It was perhaps a sign of sexual maturity, or a mating device.
Description
Armour
Unlike most theropods, Ceratosaurus had a row of armoured scutes (osteoderms) running the length of its spine. Due to their position, they probably weren't actually used for defence.
Tail
Ceratosaurus' tail was thin and flexible, and comprised of up to half the body length. The osteoderms on its spine did continue on the tail.
Ceratosaurus species
- C. dentisulcatus
- C. ingens
- C. magnicornis
- C. meriani
- C. nasicornis
Ceratosaurus nasicornis
- C. stechowi
