The Amazing Fish-Lizard of the Ancient Seas
Meet the Ichthyosaurus, a fascinating ocean-dwelling reptile that lived millions of years ago during the time of the dinosaurs!
| Meaning | Fish lizard [Ichthyo-saurus] |
| Pronunciation | IK-thee-uh-sore-us |
| When: | Early Jurassic (about 199–190 million years ago) |
| Where: | Europe (notably in England and Germany) |
| What: | Ichthyosaur (marine reptile resembling modern dolphins) |
| Weight: | Approximately 180 kg (400 pounds) |
| Length: | About 2–3 meters (6.6–9.8 feet) |
| Diet: | Piscivorous (fed on fish and cephalopods) |
| Discovered: | First described by Charles Koenig in 1825 |
Its name means “fish lizard,” and it was perfectly adapted to life in the sea.
Ichthyosaurus had a sleek, dolphin-like body with fins for swimming swiftly through the water.
Its long snout was filled with sharp teeth, perfect for catching fish and squid, its favorite meals.
Imagine them gliding gracefully through ancient seas, hunting for food and exploring the underwater world!
Scientists have found fossils of Ichthyosaurus all over the world, giving us clues about how these incredible creatures lived.