Fossils from a real-life sea monstera massive crocodile-like specieshave been unearthed in Patagonia, Argentina. The animal likely measured 13 feet (4 meters) long from nose to tail.

The researchers who made the discovery say the marine reptile, nicknamed Godzilla, lived about 135 million years ago. They describe their find in the November 11, 2005, issue of the journal Science.

Details about the ancient predator will also appear in the December 2005 issue of National Geographic magazine. The article will feature exclusive images, like this illustration, of what the reptile might have looked like.

 More Photos in the News
 Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
 Free E-Mail Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"