12-Meter Eocene Sea Snake Ruled Tropical Seas, Likely Preyed on Sharks
Scientists re-evaluating a 2018 study describe Palaeophis colossaeus, an 8–12 meter long sea snake from the Eocene Trans-Saharan Seaway, as a likely apex predator capable of preying on large fish and sharks. Its enormous vertebrae and a highly kinetic skull imply a powerful, highly marine-adapted hunter, shedding light on a warm, reptile-dominated ancient ecosystem beneath today’s Sahara.