JurassicCarnivoreMedium
Ichthyosaurus
IK-thee-oh-SORE-us
"fish lizard"
Overview
Ichthyosaurus was a dolphin-shaped marine reptile of the Early Jurassic, perfectly adapted to open-water life. Its streamlined body, large eyes, and strong tail propelled it at speed as it hunted fish and squid.
Vital Statistics
Length
3 m
Height
0.8 m
Weight
150 kg
Est. Speed
35 km/h
Discovered
1821
Named by
Charles Konig
Countries Discovered
United KingdomGermany
Interesting Facts
Had enormous eyes, among the largest relative to body size of any vertebrate.
Gave birth to live young, never returning to land.
Could exceed 30 km/h while hunting.
First described from fossils found by Mary Anning along the Lyme Regis coast.
Closest Relatives
StenopterygiusOphthalmosaurusTemnodontosaurus