A 180 million year old crocodyliform fossil has been found by paleontologists, and it is believed to be the long-missing link in the transformation of some ancient crocodiles into dolphin-like creatures.

An artist’s impression of Magyarosuchus fitosi. Image credit: Marton Szabo.

The prehistoric crocodile, known as Magyarosuchus fitosi, lived in the Tethys Ocean's Mediterranean region during the Early Jurassic period.

It belongs to a class of animals called crocodilians, which also includes living alligators and caimans, and is what paleontologists refer to as a crocodyliform.

In the Gerecse Mountains of northwest Hungary, the fragmentary skeleton of Magyarosuchus fitosi was discovered in 1996.

Dr. Mark Young from the University of Edinburgh and his associates from Germany and Hungary examined it.

The paleontologists claimed that Magyarosuchus fitosi was one of the biggest coastal predators throughout the Jurassic era.

It had a length of 15.3–15.9 feet (4.67–4.83 m), huge, pointed teeth, and was capable of catching prey. Additionally, it shared important physical characteristics with two different families of ancient crocodiles.

Some crocodiles from the Jurassic period had bone armor on their backs and bellies and limbs designed for walking on land, whereas another group had flippers and tail fins but no armor.

Although it featured a tail fin and was extensively armored, Magyarosuchus fitosi may be the missing link between the two groups.

"This fossil provides a unique insight into how crocodiles began evolving into dolphin and killer whale-like forms more than 180 million years ago," Dr. Young said.

"The presence of both tail fins and bony armor highlights the remarkable diversity of Jurassic-era crocodiles."