NOTE: I did NOT make the images. Most images were among the first Google image results when searching for the creature's name, but if you want an image's source let me know. Also, for scale images with more than one animal, the biggest one is the species in question.
This is a follow-up to my post which had suggestions for unusual species from the Jurassic to the Ordovician (viewable here: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...pecies-updated-after-dlc-announcement.618983/ ). This one covers the Cretaceous. As before, I wanted to make Species Packs with mostly non-dinosaurs that look and maybe act differently than anything else in-game. I don't expect any to get added, but I came up with five such ideas and thought it'd be fun to share. Feel free to post feedback or similar ideas.
There are five suggested semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs, but each one has a unique appearance and in-game behavior. Ideally, there would be a way to combine lagoons with regular exhibits for semi-aquatics, but that would require overhauling the game. Instead, they could either be terrestrial creatures with an AI that tries to stay near water, or aquatic creatures with access to the new islands. I think they're also good candidates for JWE3, if that game is built with semi-aquatics in mind.
Machimosaurus is the largest "marine crocodile", a group of crocodylomorphs which resemble modern crocodiles but are not closely related and instead evolved for an almost entirely aquatic lifestyle. Machimosaurus likely could grow up to over 7m, making it slightly larger than the in-game Liopleurodon so the two species would likely have similar behaviors. Machimosaurus' jaw structure suggests it could easily crush hard-shelled creatures, meaning it would likely prey on Archelon. If semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs aren't added, something fully aquatic like Machimosaurus may be the closest we get.
Xiphactinus is a bony fish that has extremely long teeth. It could grow up to 6m long, which is almost as long as the Attenborosaurus, and was a vicious predator so it might even try to prey on something as small as Ichthyosaurus. Despite not being closely related, it likely resembled a massive version of the modern tarpon except with giant fangs.
Mawsonia is a coelacanth, a group of bony fish that are still alive today and are more closely related to mammals than other fish. Unlike modern coelacanths, Mawsonia could grow over 5m long, which is bigger than the in-game Archelon. As seen in the above pictures, Mawsonia has a unique tail and body which would help it stand out. Given its teeth, many experts also believe it ate both fish and shellfish. To represent this, it could have a durophage feeder at the bottom of lagoons which would be a square of shellfish that could be refilled via drone.
Stratiotosuchus is a baurusuchid, which were fully terrestrial crocodilians that evolved to be apex predators in regions without large theropods. Stratiotosuchus was at least 4m in length, comparable to the in-game Proceratosaurus, but likely could take down creatures larger than itself such as some hadrosaurs. It probably wouldn't pose a threat to the large sauropods.
Parapuzosia is an ammonite, cephalopods with round shells closely related to modern day squid and octopuses. Parapuzosia had a shell diameter of 2m, which is as long as the in-game Ichthyosaurus. With its huge shell, it may stand out better than the current small aquatic species and some players could use it as a feeder.
Stratodus is an aulopiform fish, which today are represented by long, predatory animals like lizardfish. Stratodus could grow up to 5m, comparable in the in-game Archelon, and I think Frontier could have fun with its design because it had over six thousand tiny teeth which could reach a quarter of an inch long and a thousand of these teeth poked outside of its mouth. Its body was also covered in spines and scutes.
Kansajsuchus is one of the semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs. While every other semi-aquatic crocodylomorph here is over 9m, Kansajsuchus was between 5m and 7m. To further differentiate these species, I would make it closer to 5m, which is comparable to the in-game Dryosaurus. In addition to its smaller size, the paralligatorid Kansajsuchus could stand out with its armored body. It also would likely only be capable of attacking smaller creatures and could coexist with medium and large dinosaurs.
Gargantuavis is a large flightless animal only distantly related to modern birds. It likely could grow up to 2m, so it would be about as tall as the length of the in-game Homalocephale, but it was also a very heavy bird. As only a limited number of fossils have been discovered, not much is known about this bird. If it is an omnivore like most modern birds, then it could've easily preyed upon small dinosaurs. Unless animals from the Ice Age are added, Gargantuavis could be the closest we get to a Terror Bird.
Bawitius is a polypterid, a group of bony fish that diverged from other fish back in the early Triassic which are known for having many more fins than other fish and the ability to breath under or above the water. Modern polypterids include bichirs. Unlike bichirs, Bawitius could likely grow up to 3m which would be almost as long as the in-game Plesiosaurus. If it is like bichirs, then Bawitius likely could spend a lot of time at the bottom of lagoons, either searching for invertebrates in the sand or just sitting there.
Haboroteuthis is a relative of modern squids that is known mainly from jaw fossils. Comparing these fossils to modern remains suggests it was at least as big as our Giant Squid, which grows up to 12m. This would make Haboroteuthis one of the biggest aquatic creatures in the game. Unlike giant squid, some think Haboroteuthis was a very agile predator which hunted in shallow waters.
Onchopristis is a sclerorhynchoid, which resembled modern sawfish despite being much more closely related to modern skates, boneless fish which resemble stingrays. The largest confirmed Onchopristis specimen was nearly 4.3m, which is almost as big as the in-game Archelon, but given its lack of bones some estimate it could be much larger. If it behaves like modern skates and sawfish, then Onchopristis could be another species that stays near the bottom of lagoons which would further help diversify the lagoons.
Matheronodon is the largest rhabdodontid, somewhat close relatives of Iguanodon that have large and uniquely evolved teeth which would allow them to chew through the toughest and most fibrous plant matter. Matheronodon could grow up to 5m which is comparable to the in-game Dryosaurus, so it would likely have a similar behavior. Matheronodon has a much more stocky body and likely would not be agile like Dryosaurus, and I could see Matheronodon having a much higher need for fiber than most other herbivores.
Stomatosuchus is one of the semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs. It could grow up to 10m, comparable to the in-game Elasmosaurus and most hadrosaurs, and it is the largest known stomatosuchid. Stomatosuchids have conical teeth on their upper jaw which are much smaller than other crocodylomorphs' teeth. No teeth have been found for Stomatosuchus' lower jaw and some experts think it had a pelican-like throat pouch. With all this in mind, many experts think it would swim through the water and scoop up smaller fish in its mouth, while others suggest it may have been a filter feeder but this seems less likely. It also has a long but unusually flat skull, which would help it stand out even more. It likely would only threaten the smallest dinosaurs, if it would prey on any terrestrial species at all.
Enchoteuthis is believed to be related to modern day octopuses and could grow up to 3m, which is nearly as big as the in-game Plesiosaurus but it could stand out really well with its rotund mantle. Fossils of its smaller relative, Tusoteuthis, have been found inside of fish with their mouths open, which makes researchers think it could suffocate animals that tried to swallow it. If so, this could have some interesting in-game animations.
Canadaga is a large flightless bird closely related to the smaller yet better known Hesperornis. Canadaga could grow up to 2.2m, which would make it larger than the in-game Ichthyosaurus. Canadaga had a hooked beak with sharp teeth that would have been perfect for catching fish and it was likely a great swimmer. Given that its legs stick out sideways from its body, some experts think it had to slide around on its stomach when out of the water, which could be entertaining in-game if it had access to the new lagoon islands.
This is a follow-up to my post which had suggestions for unusual species from the Jurassic to the Ordovician (viewable here: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threa...pecies-updated-after-dlc-announcement.618983/ ). This one covers the Cretaceous. As before, I wanted to make Species Packs with mostly non-dinosaurs that look and maybe act differently than anything else in-game. I don't expect any to get added, but I came up with five such ideas and thought it'd be fun to share. Feel free to post feedback or similar ideas.
There are five suggested semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs, but each one has a unique appearance and in-game behavior. Ideally, there would be a way to combine lagoons with regular exhibits for semi-aquatics, but that would require overhauling the game. Instead, they could either be terrestrial creatures with an AI that tries to stay near water, or aquatic creatures with access to the new islands. I think they're also good candidates for JWE3, if that game is built with semi-aquatics in mind.
EARLY CRETACEOUS SPECIES PACK #2
- Sarcosuchus - Medium Carnivore
- Machimosaurus - Medium Aquatic Piscivore
- Xiphactinus - Medium Aquatic Piscivore
- Mawsonia - Small Aquatic Piscivore/Durophage
Machimosaurus is the largest "marine crocodile", a group of crocodylomorphs which resemble modern crocodiles but are not closely related and instead evolved for an almost entirely aquatic lifestyle. Machimosaurus likely could grow up to over 7m, making it slightly larger than the in-game Liopleurodon so the two species would likely have similar behaviors. Machimosaurus' jaw structure suggests it could easily crush hard-shelled creatures, meaning it would likely prey on Archelon. If semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs aren't added, something fully aquatic like Machimosaurus may be the closest we get.
Xiphactinus is a bony fish that has extremely long teeth. It could grow up to 6m long, which is almost as long as the Attenborosaurus, and was a vicious predator so it might even try to prey on something as small as Ichthyosaurus. Despite not being closely related, it likely resembled a massive version of the modern tarpon except with giant fangs.
Mawsonia is a coelacanth, a group of bony fish that are still alive today and are more closely related to mammals than other fish. Unlike modern coelacanths, Mawsonia could grow over 5m long, which is bigger than the in-game Archelon. As seen in the above pictures, Mawsonia has a unique tail and body which would help it stand out. Given its teeth, many experts also believe it ate both fish and shellfish. To represent this, it could have a durophage feeder at the bottom of lagoons which would be a square of shellfish that could be refilled via drone.
LATE CRETACEOUS SPECIES PACK #2
- Aegisuchus - Large Carnivore
- Stratiotosuchus - Small Carnivore
- Parapuzosia - Small Aquatic Piscivore
- Stratodus - Small Aquatic Piscivore
Stratiotosuchus is a baurusuchid, which were fully terrestrial crocodilians that evolved to be apex predators in regions without large theropods. Stratiotosuchus was at least 4m in length, comparable to the in-game Proceratosaurus, but likely could take down creatures larger than itself such as some hadrosaurs. It probably wouldn't pose a threat to the large sauropods.
Parapuzosia is an ammonite, cephalopods with round shells closely related to modern day squid and octopuses. Parapuzosia had a shell diameter of 2m, which is as long as the in-game Ichthyosaurus. With its huge shell, it may stand out better than the current small aquatic species and some players could use it as a feeder.
Stratodus is an aulopiform fish, which today are represented by long, predatory animals like lizardfish. Stratodus could grow up to 5m, comparable in the in-game Archelon, and I think Frontier could have fun with its design because it had over six thousand tiny teeth which could reach a quarter of an inch long and a thousand of these teeth poked outside of its mouth. Its body was also covered in spines and scutes.
LATE CRETACEOUS SPECIES PACK #3
- Palaeophis - Large Aquatic Piscivore
- Kansajsuchus - Small Carnivore
- Gargantuavis - Small Omnivore (?)
- Bawitius - Small Aquatic Piscivore
Kansajsuchus is one of the semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs. While every other semi-aquatic crocodylomorph here is over 9m, Kansajsuchus was between 5m and 7m. To further differentiate these species, I would make it closer to 5m, which is comparable to the in-game Dryosaurus. In addition to its smaller size, the paralligatorid Kansajsuchus could stand out with its armored body. It also would likely only be capable of attacking smaller creatures and could coexist with medium and large dinosaurs.
Gargantuavis is a large flightless animal only distantly related to modern birds. It likely could grow up to 2m, so it would be about as tall as the length of the in-game Homalocephale, but it was also a very heavy bird. As only a limited number of fossils have been discovered, not much is known about this bird. If it is an omnivore like most modern birds, then it could've easily preyed upon small dinosaurs. Unless animals from the Ice Age are added, Gargantuavis could be the closest we get to a Terror Bird.
Bawitius is a polypterid, a group of bony fish that diverged from other fish back in the early Triassic which are known for having many more fins than other fish and the ability to breath under or above the water. Modern polypterids include bichirs. Unlike bichirs, Bawitius could likely grow up to 3m which would be almost as long as the in-game Plesiosaurus. If it is like bichirs, then Bawitius likely could spend a lot of time at the bottom of lagoons, either searching for invertebrates in the sand or just sitting there.
LATE CRETACEOUS SPECIES PACK #4
- Deinosuchus - Medium Carnivore
- Haboroteuthis - Large Aquatic Piscivore
- Onchopristis - Small Aquatic Piscivore
- Matheronodon - Small Herbivore
Haboroteuthis is a relative of modern squids that is known mainly from jaw fossils. Comparing these fossils to modern remains suggests it was at least as big as our Giant Squid, which grows up to 12m. This would make Haboroteuthis one of the biggest aquatic creatures in the game. Unlike giant squid, some think Haboroteuthis was a very agile predator which hunted in shallow waters.
Onchopristis is a sclerorhynchoid, which resembled modern sawfish despite being much more closely related to modern skates, boneless fish which resemble stingrays. The largest confirmed Onchopristis specimen was nearly 4.3m, which is almost as big as the in-game Archelon, but given its lack of bones some estimate it could be much larger. If it behaves like modern skates and sawfish, then Onchopristis could be another species that stays near the bottom of lagoons which would further help diversify the lagoons.
Matheronodon is the largest rhabdodontid, somewhat close relatives of Iguanodon that have large and uniquely evolved teeth which would allow them to chew through the toughest and most fibrous plant matter. Matheronodon could grow up to 5m which is comparable to the in-game Dryosaurus, so it would likely have a similar behavior. Matheronodon has a much more stocky body and likely would not be agile like Dryosaurus, and I could see Matheronodon having a much higher need for fiber than most other herbivores.
LATE CRETACEOUS SPECIES PACK #5
- Cretodus - Large Aquatic Piscivore
- Stomatosuchus - Medium Piscivore
- Enchoteuthis - Small Aquatic Piscivore
- Canadaga - Small Aquatic Piscivore
Stomatosuchus is one of the semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs. It could grow up to 10m, comparable to the in-game Elasmosaurus and most hadrosaurs, and it is the largest known stomatosuchid. Stomatosuchids have conical teeth on their upper jaw which are much smaller than other crocodylomorphs' teeth. No teeth have been found for Stomatosuchus' lower jaw and some experts think it had a pelican-like throat pouch. With all this in mind, many experts think it would swim through the water and scoop up smaller fish in its mouth, while others suggest it may have been a filter feeder but this seems less likely. It also has a long but unusually flat skull, which would help it stand out even more. It likely would only threaten the smallest dinosaurs, if it would prey on any terrestrial species at all.
Enchoteuthis is believed to be related to modern day octopuses and could grow up to 3m, which is nearly as big as the in-game Plesiosaurus but it could stand out really well with its rotund mantle. Fossils of its smaller relative, Tusoteuthis, have been found inside of fish with their mouths open, which makes researchers think it could suffocate animals that tried to swallow it. If so, this could have some interesting in-game animations.
Canadaga is a large flightless bird closely related to the smaller yet better known Hesperornis. Canadaga could grow up to 2.2m, which would make it larger than the in-game Ichthyosaurus. Canadaga had a hooked beak with sharp teeth that would have been perfect for catching fish and it was likely a great swimmer. Given that its legs stick out sideways from its body, some experts think it had to slide around on its stomach when out of the water, which could be entertaining in-game if it had access to the new lagoon islands.
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