In this article, we’ll explore everything from its time on Earth to where it lived, what it ate, and how big it was. Let’s get started!
What is a Baryonyx?
The name “Baryonyx” comes from the Greek words for "heavy" or "strong" (βαρύς/barus) and "claw" (ονυξ/onyx), which translates to "Heavy Claw" in English. It was named after the massive claw on each of its front limbs 🐾.
Baryonyx was a predator belonging to the same family as the gigantic Spinosaurus. Though long extinct, it was a theropod dinosaur, part of the Spinosauridae family, along with others like Suchomimus and Irritator. Fossils discovered in what is now England, Spain, and Portugal tell us that Baryonyx lived during the Barremian age of the Early Cretaceous period, around 129 to 125 million years ago.
Fun fact: If you're fascinated by this dinosaur, check out our Baryonyx dinosaur figures!
Baryonyx: A Dinosaur That Loved Fish
Baryonyx was a two-legged carnivore, but unlike many of its kind, it spent a lot of time near water. Its sharp claws were likely perfect for catching fish 🐟, and some scientists believe it may have even waded through shallow water on all fours.
Incredibly, the remains of fish scales were found in the stomach of a Baryonyx fossil, suggesting that it used its crocodile-like jaws to snatch prey in the water—much like crocodiles do today. However, it wasn’t strictly a pescatarian; bones of an Iguanodon were also found near the same specimen, indicating that Baryonyx might have hunted or scavenged land animals, too.
Some experts also think Baryonyx may have scavenged on carcasses, waiting for nature or other predators to do the hard work before feasting on what was left. If you’ve read about Spinosaurus, you’ve probably noticed the striking similarities between the two.
The Discovery of Baryonyx Fossils
In 1983, fossil hunter William Walker made an incredible discovery in a clay pit near Dorking, Surrey, in southern England: a massive, fossilized claw. Recognizing its importance, he contacted the Natural History Museum in London, and soon a team of experts unearthed about two tons of fossil-rich clay, which contained the bones of Baryonyx.
The species was named Baryonyx walkeri in Walker’s honor. It was the first large theropod dinosaur from the Cretaceous to be found. Since then, additional Baryonyx specimens have been discovered in England, Spain, and Portugal.
How Big Was Baryonyx?
Although Baryonyx wasn’t as massive as its cousin, Spinosaurus, it was still an impressive creature. Baryonyx grew to about 25-33 feet in length and weighed around 2,600 pounds.
The Anatomy of Baryonyx
Baryonyx was a theropod, like many of the other large carnivorous dinosaurs. It walked on two legs and used its long tail for balance. Interestingly, its neck was straighter than that of many other carnivores 🥩.
One of Baryonyx’s key features was its long, slender skull, which looked strikingly similar to a modern-day crocodile. Its jaws were packed with 96 serrated teeth 🦷, perfect for snatching fish from the water.
Each thumb of Baryonyx sported a massive, 12-inch claw, which was likely used to grip prey.
Baryonyx’s Skull: More Croc Than Dino?
According to Emily Rayfield, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol, “The skull of Baryonyx was part dinosaur, part crocodile.” Her team used X-rays to create a digital model of the skull and then compared it with those of alligators, gharials, and typical theropod dinosaurs.
The results? Baryonyx’s skull was more similar to that of a gharial, optimized for withstanding the pressures of catching and eating fish. It was a perfect design for a piscivorous lifestyle.
Baryonyx in Pop Culture
Baryonyx has made a few cameos in popular media:
- Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – Baryonyx attacks Claire and Franklin.
- Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs – Baryonyx (aka "Rudy") appears as an albino.
- Dinosaur King – Season 1, Episode 32.
- Ark: Survival Evolved – Featured in the video game.
- Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis – Added through mods.
- Time period: Early Cretaceous (Barremian), 129-125 million years ago
- Habitat: Modern-day Spain, England, and Portugal
- Name meaning: "Heavy Claw"
- Size: 25-33 feet long
- Weight: About 2,600 pounds
- Diet: Mostly fish, but likely scavenged or hunted terrestrial prey
- Family: Spinosauridae
- Discovery: First discovered by William Walker in 1983