Eocarcharia

dawn shark (dawn jagged-tooth)

• eos · Greek · dawn
• carcharias · Greek · shark, or jagged/sharp-toothed

The name combines the Greek "eos" (dawn) with "carcharias" (shark, or jagged), echoing the carcharodontosaurid group ("shark-toothed lizards"). It marks Eocarcharia as an early member of that group, with the "dawn" referring to its early age within the lineage. The only species, E. dinops, has a name meaning "terrible eye", which refers to its thick, prominent brow ridge.

Named by

Sereno and Brusatte

Year named

2008

Period

Early Cretaceous

Stages

Aptian – Albian

Found in

Elrhaz Formation, Gadoufaoua region, Niger

A theropod usually classified as a carcharodontosaurid (or close relative). It is known from fragmentary skull material. Its exact age within the Aptian–Albian range is uncertain.