The croclion (Crocoleo hamiltoni) is the largest Malagasy carnivore. The ancestors of this giant (4-meter-long) terrestial crocodile were probably similiar to the eusuchians that evolved into the nile crocodile of Africa. The croclions, however, abandoned the basic crocodylian way of life when they became the primary hunters of the hoplocrocs.

    Croclions are quite long with muscular limbs that are held almost straight under the body, enabling them to gallop frighteningly fast. Their skulls have become shorter and deeper, but also more lightweight. In fact the whole animal is in many ways similiar to the early triassic Rauisuchids.
 

(Text by Matti Aumala)