Ceratosaurus was one of the great predators of the Late Jurassic, living about 150 million years ago in what is now North America, Portugal, and possibly Africa. At about 6 to 7 meters long, Ceratosaurus was smaller than its contemporaries Allosaurus and Torvosaurus, but made up for it with agility and a striking appearance. Its name means "horned lizard" due to the bony horn on its nose—probably used for display or territorial disputes, not as a weapon.

Its tail was long and flexible, ideal for aiding swimming—which leads many paleontologists to believe it also hunted in aquatic environments, preying on fish and other animals near rivers and lakes.

Visually, Ceratosaurus is one of the most distinctive theropods, with rows of small bony protrusions along its back and the unmistakable nasal horn, making it a favorite among paleoartists and dinosaur fans for its "classic yet exotic" aesthetic.