Jurassic ichthyosaurs of the British Isles

The Jurassic period, which lasted from 201 to 145 million years ago, was a time of great biodiversity in the oceans. One group of marine reptiles that flourished during this period were the ichthyosaurs, which were well-adapted for swimming and feeding on fish and squid. The British Isles are known to be a hot spot for ichthyosaur fossils, with many spectacular specimens having been found in the region. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most notable ichthyosaurs found in the British Isles.

1. Temnodontosaurus

Temnodontosaurus was a large ichthyosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period. Fossils of this species have been found in several locations throughout the British Isles, including Dorset, Yorkshire, and Scotland. These fossils reveal that Temnodontosaurus could reach lengths of up to 33 feet (10 meters) and likely had a large head with sharp teeth that were well-suited for capturing fish and squid.

1. Ichthyosaurus

Ichthyosaurus is perhaps the most well-known ichthyosaur of the British Isles, having been first discovered in the early 19th century. This species was a fast and agile swimmer, and had a long, pointed snout that was well-suited for catching fish. Fossils of Ichthyosaurus have been found in several locations throughout the British Isles, including Dorset, Somerset, and Wales.

1. Ophthalmosaurus

Ophthalmosaurus was a small ichthyosaur that lived during the late Jurassic period. This species had a distinctive round eye socket, which likely gave it excellent vision and made it well-suited for hunting in low-light conditions. Fossils of Ophthalmosaurus have been found in several locations throughout the British Isles, including Dorset, Yorkshire, and Scotland.

1. Leptonectes

Leptonectes was a small ichthyosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period. Fossils of this species have been found in several locations throughout the British Isles, including Dorset and Scotland. Leptonectes likely had a long, slender body and was well-suited for swimming and catching fish in shallow waters.

1. Eurhinosaurus

Eurhinosaurus was a unique ichthyosaur that lived during the early Jurassic period. This species had a long, slender snout that was lined with numerous small teeth. Fossils of Eurhinosaurus have been found in several locations throughout the British Isles, including Dorset and Yorkshire.

In conclusion, the British Isles are a treasure trove of ichthyosaur fossils, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the oceans during the Jurassic period. From the large and powerful Temnodontosaurus to the small and agile Leptonectes, these marine reptiles were well-adapted for life in the water and likely played important roles in the ocean ecosystem. The study of ichthyosaurs continues to provide new insights into the evolution of marine life, making them a fascinating subject of study for scientists and enthusiasts alike.

Our recent volume by Weedon and Chapman provides the most comprehensive up-to-date synthesis in all aspects of the taxonomy, biology and ecology of this remarkable group. Click the cover image above for more info.