The Giant of the Triassic Seas
Meet Shonisaurus, a massive marine reptile from the Late Triassic period, around 215 million years ago!
| Meaning | Lizard from the Shoshone Mountains [Shoni-saurus] |
| Pronunciation | SHOH-nee-sore-us |
| When: | Late Triassic (about 225 million years ago) |
| Where: | North America (USA, Nevada) |
| What: | Ichthyosaur (marine reptile) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 30–40 metric tons |
| Length: | Approximately 15 meters (49 feet) |
| Diet: | Piscivorous (ate fish and squid-like creatures) |
| Discovered: | First described by Charles Camp in 1976 |
Shonisaurus belonged to a group of reptiles called ichthyosaurs, which looked similar to modern dolphins but were much larger.
Shonisaurus was one of the biggest ichthyosaurs, reaching lengths of up to 15 meters (49 feet) or more!
It had a long, streamlined body, a pointed snout, and large, paddle-like flippers for swimming.
Shonisaurus lived in the ancient seas, where it hunted for fish and squid, using its speed and agility to catch prey.
Imagine Shonisaurus gliding gracefully through the ocean, its huge size making it one of the top predators of its time.