# Mosasaur hunting behavior research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mosasaur-hunting-behavior-research > Updated: 2026-10-21T16:08:40.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Research published in the journal Current Biology, led by Kiersten Formoso of Rutgers University, has identified specialized hunting techniques used by various mosasaur species during the Cretaceous period. By applying physics principles and biomechanical models to fossil remains, researchers reconstructed the swimming capabilities of four different species, including Tylosaurus proriger and Platecarpus. The study suggests that certain mosasaurs utilized a “slam-start” maneuver to achieve sudden bursts of speed for ambush attacks. This technique involved a powerful sweep of the tail to propel the body forward, comparable to a swimmer launching off a pool wall, allowing some species to reach speeds of approximately 15 miles per hour. These findings challenge previous theories that these marine reptiles moved with undulating, eel-like motions. Instead, the anatomical evidence indicates they possessed relatively rigid bodies and tail fins similar to sharks. The research highlights how variations in tail proportions allowed different species to occupy distinct ecological niches, with some being suited for high-speed ambushes and others for cruising through open oceans. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Rutgers study reveals high-speed hunting tactics of ancient mosasaurs A Rutgers University study reveals that ancient mosasaurs used powerful tail sweeps to reach speeds of 15 mph, allowing them to ambush prey with sudden bursts of acceleration. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rutgers-study-reveals-high-speed-hunting-tactics-of-ancient-mosasaurs ### 2026-10-08: Mosasaurs used high-speed ambush attacks to hunt Paleontologists have discovered that some giant mosasaurs, such as the Tylosaurus, used powerful “slam-start” tail sweeps to perform high-speed ambush attacks on prey. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mosasaurs-used-high-speed-ambush-attacks-to-hunt --- Cite as: Mosasaur hunting behavior research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mosasaur-hunting-behavior-research