Take a trip back in time, long before humans walked the surface of the Earth. To an age when astonishing and distinct creatures existed. It was a time rich with life that saw some of the most fascinating predators that the Earth has ever known. Each predator was uniquely adapted to its environment. Whether in deep, cool oceans or high prehistoric skies, both distinct and often surreal, they forged their individual places.
However, a few of the previous amazing prehistoric hunters are also on this list, and they can mostly be at the top of their food chains. These were the titans, the greatest killing machines that brought fear into every creature’s mind, and they were referred to as the biggest carnivorous dinosaurs. Let’s explore the amazing things about these huge predators, reveal their secrets, and learn about the massive stories of their kingdoms.
Here are the Top 15 Biggest Carnivorous Dinosaurs:
The Jurassic period was dominated by many robust meat-eating predators. They ruled the era by being at the top of the food chain by invoking fear among others. Here’s a list of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs who landed the top tier of the list:
1. Spinosaurus
This colossal North African predator, distinguished by its prominent sail-like fin, was likely semi-aquatic, adapting its long, crocodile-like snout and dense bones for hunting fish in ancient waterways. It holds the record as the longest of the biggest carnivorous dinosaurs.
- Height: 46–59 feet
- Weight: 22 tons
- Period: Late Cretaceous Epoch
2. Giganotosaurus
Hailing from South America, this immense theropod was once considered the largest meat-eater, even surpassing T. rex in length. Its formidable, blade-like teeth were perfect for slicing through large prey.
- Height: 23 feet
- Weight: 8.8 tons
- Period: Late Cretaceous period
3. Carcharodontosaurus Saharicus
Named for its “shark-toothed lizard” appearance, this powerful North African hunter possessed serrated teeth reminiscent of a great white shark. It was a dominant predator in its ecosystem, rivalling other carnivorous dinosaurs in sheer size.
- Height: 13 ft
- Weight: 6–8 tons
- Period: Late Cretaceous Epoch
4. Tyrannosaurus Rex
The iconic “tyrant lizard king” of North America, T. rex, was a powerhouse with an incredibly strong bite force capable of crushing bone. Its relatively large brain and keen sense of smell made it a highly effective predator and scavenger.
- Height: 42.7 feet
- Weight: 8–9 tons
- Period: Upper Cretaceous period
5. Bahariasaurus
An enigmatic and similarly massive theropod from North Africa, Bahariasaurus lived alongside Carcharodontosaurus and Spinosaurus. While its exact form is still debated due to limited fossil remains, it was undeniably among the largest carnivorous dinosaurs of its time.
- Height: 13 ft
- Weight: 5–6 tons
- Period: Late Cretaceous period
6. Chilantaisaurus Tashuikouensis
This massive theropod, an early contender among the huge carnivorous dinosaurs, was a formidable hunter from the Late Cretaceous of Asia, known for its powerful build and potentially high speed.
- Height: 12–13 ft
- Weight: 4–5 tons
- Period: Mid Cretaceous
7. Deinocheirus
Though initially thought to be a gigantic predator, Deinocheirus was a fascinating omnivore, proving that not all large theropods among the enormous carnivorous dinosaurs were exclusively meat-eaters, with its distinctive long arms and duck-like snout.
- Height: 16 ft (due to massive arms and back)
- Weight: 6.5 tons
- Period: Late Cretaceous period
8. Carcharodontosaurus Iguidensis
Hailing from Late Cretaceous North Africa, this species of Carcharodontosaurus was a truly colossal predator, easily ranking among the biggest carnivorous dinosaurs with its serrated, shark-like teeth perfect for slicing flesh.
- Height: 12 ft
- Weight: 4–5 tons
- Period: Late Cretaceous Epoch
9. Siats Meekerorum
Discovered in North America, Siats meekerorum was a terrifyingly large carcharodontosaur, filling the role of an apex predator before the tyrannosaurs, and firmly placing it within the league of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs.
- Height: 11 ft
- Weight: 4 tons
- Period: Early Cretaceous
10. Acrocanthosaurus
They are known for the distinctive tall neural spines along their back. Acrocanthosaurus was a powerful and imposing predator from early Cretaceous North America, undeniably one of the huge carnivorous dinosaurs of its time and region.
- Height: 11 ft
- Weight: 5 tons
- Period: Early Cretaceous
Also Read: If You Think T-Rex are the Biggest Dinosaurs? Wait Till You Meet These Titans
11. Torvosaurus
This fearsome Jurassic predator was a robust and powerful hunter, reaching lengths of up to 33 feet. It was among the largest carnivorous dinosaurs of its time in North America and Portugal, armed with serrated teeth for tearing flesh.
- Height: 10–11 ft
- Weight: 3–4 tons
- Period: Late Jurassic epoch
12. Yangchuanosaurus
Hailing from Late Jurassic China, Yangchuanosaurus was a massive theropod dinosaur, similar in size and appearance to Allosaurus. With a large head and powerful jaws, it was the apex predator of its ecosystem, truly one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs of Asia.
- Height: 10 ft
- Weight: 3 tons
- Period: Late Jurassic epoch
13. Tarbosaurus
A close cousin of the famous T. Rex, Tarbosaurus was a formidable hunter from Late Cretaceous Asia. Reaching lengths of 30-40 feet, it possessed a massive skull and incredibly powerful jaws, cementing its status among the largest carnivorous dinosaurs.
- Height: 10 ft
- Weight: 4–5 tons
- Period: Late Cretaceous Period
14. Allosaurus
A well-known Late Jurassic predator from North America and Europe, Allosaurus was a large, agile carnivore averaging around 28 feet in length. Its distinctive brow horns and serrated teeth made it a highly effective hunter of contemporary herbivorous dinosaurs.
- Height: 9–10 ft
- Weight: 2–3 tons
- Period: Late Jurassic epoch
15. Megalosaurus
As one of the first dinosaurs ever discovered and named, Megalosaurus was a substantial Middle Jurassic theropod from England. Though not as gargantuan as some later giants, it was a robust and powerful predator, showcasing the early forms of the biggest carnivorous dinosaurs.
- Height: 8–9 ft
- Weight: 1.5–2 tons
- Period: Middle Jurassic period
Source:
- https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-the-biggest-dinosaur.html
- https://www.britannica.com/animal/Spinosaurus
What These Dinosaurs Tell Us About Prehistoric Ecosystems?
These extensive dinosaurs were important apex predators that changed the prehistoric food chain. These megafauna would regulate herbivore numbers as well as smaller carnivores. Their fossil records range over great distances, with examples of Tyrannosaurids in North America and Asia, and examples of Carcharodontosaurids in Africa and South America, indicating a global presence. This presence led to evolutionary arms races where both predator and prey developed increasingly specialized adaptations as prey improved their defense, making it a never-ending cycle of diversification and mega-expansion in size for these incredibly large theropods.
Conclusion
The huge Spinosaurus and powerful T. rex are the biggest carnivorous dinosaurs that are at least myths. They were very important players in prehistoric ecosystems. They were the highest apex predators in their ecosystems. There are records of the global distribution of carnivorous dinosaurs, and they were being selected in an evolutionary arms race, both of which affected the development of ancient life. Exploring their world helps us understand that dinosaurs were not just giants of our imagination but solidified a place in our planet’s history.
FAQ:
1. What was the biggest carnivorous dinosaur ever?
The title of “biggest carnivorous dinosaur” is often debated, but Spinosaurus is generally considered the longest, while Tyrannosaurus Rex is considered the heaviest. Spinosaurus is estimated to have been the longest, potentially reaching up to 18 meters in length.
2. Who is bigger, T Rex or Giganotosaurus?
Then there’s the weight comparison. At up to 9 tons (8.2 metric tons), T. rex was among the heaviest theropods — a true tank among predators. Giganotosaurus was even heavier still, maxing out at around 14 tons (12.7 metric tonnes).
3. Would a Spinosaurus beat a Rex?
In a battle between a Spinosaurus and a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the T-Rex would likely win, especially on land. While the Spinosaurus was a large and powerful dinosaur, its adaptations leaned more towards aquatic hunting, and it would be at a disadvantage against the T Rex in a terrestrial fight.
