Two types of crocodile swam in the Oxford Clay sea. commonest is Metriorhynchus, a crocodile adapted for marine life. It had paddle shaped feet and a vertical tail fin to propel it through the water. The other crocodile is Steneosaurus, it looked like a modern Indian Gharial. Armoured plates protected the back of Steneosaurus Crocodile teeth are among the more common Oxford Clay vertebrate fossil remains. This is because like all the marine reptiles crocodiles grow new teeth throughout their lives. Old teeth are shed because they are worn or broken. A crocodile produces many teeth during its life.

	Part of the jaw and teeth of Metriorhynchus
	A crocodile vertebra from the Oxford Clay
	Armoured plate (scute) from the back of Steneosaurus
	A partial skull of Steneosaurus. The end of the jaws and back of the skull are missing. The large round eye socket can be easily seen.

Back