The Icthyosaurus

    The Icthyosaurus are known as "fish lizards". They first appeared in the Trassic seas 250 million years ago. The first Ichtyosaurus remains were discovered in England at the end of the 19th century. A lady named Mary Anning found the first complete Ichthyosaurus.  

   Icthyosaurus were called fish lizards because they had evolved from reptiles, but could swim like fish. Ichthyosaurus were  able to move easily through becacse they were streamlined.   They also had limbs like large paddles. Although all four limbs were paddle-like, the front were twice the size as the back two.

   Some complete Ichthyosaurs skeletons were found at Holzamaden in Germany. They were so well preserved that scientists could see outlines of skin in addition to the bones. From these remains scientists were able to see exactly what the paddles and fins were like.

    We know what Ichthyosaurus ate because fossil  droppings, called coplites, have been found. These contained the preserved remains of the Ichthyosaurus’ food. Some fossil droppings were found near Ichthyosaurus. Others were still inside the bodies of the dead creatures.

Inside the dropping were the remains of a fish called Pholidophorus. These creatures were believed to live close to the surface of prehistoric seas. From their shape it is also thought they were fast swimming creatures. Since Phlidophorus were fast swimming fish, Ichthyosaurus must have actively hunted their food.