TriassicCarnivoreSmall

Coelophysis

SEE-low-FY-sis

"Hollow form"

Overview

Coelophysis was a small, slender theropod and one of the earliest known dinosaurs. A fast, agile predator of the Late Triassic, it provides a window into the humble beginnings of the dinosaur dynasty.

Vital Statistics

Length

3 m

Height

1 m

Weight

25 kg

Est. Speed

40 km/h

Discovered

1889

Named by

Edward Drinker Cope

Countries Discovered

United StatesZimbabwe

Fossil Locations

🦴

📍 Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

Interesting Facts

Coelophysis was one of the earliest dinosaurs, living over 200 million years ago.

Thousands of Coelophysis skeletons were found together at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, suggesting mass death events.

Its hollow bones made it light and fast, similar to modern birds.

Early reports of cannibalism in Coelophysis were later disproven.

Closest Relatives

HerrerasaurusProcompsognathusDilophosaurusMegapnosaurus