Xiphactinus

prehistoric ocean · giant fish · extinct

Monster of the seas. Xiphactinus was a massive predatory fish that could grow 5 to 6 meters long, about as big as a great white shark today. It dominated ocean food chains during the Cretaceous period.

Huge fanged hunter. This fish had enormous teeth and a mouth built for catching and eating other large fish and sea creatures. Its name means 'sword fish,' and it looked like a giant, toothy version of a tarpon.

Ancient deep ocean dweller. Xiphactinus lived from about 113 million years ago to 66 million years ago, surviving for a very long time before disappearing at the end of the Cretaceous period.

Early modern fish ancestor. Unlike many extinct sea creatures, Xiphactinus belonged to a group called Ichthyodectiformes, which were actually close cousins to the fish that exist in oceans today.

Top predator champion. With its large size and powerful jaws, Xiphactinus was likely one of the most fearsome hunters in Cretaceous oceans, preying on other big fish.