Rhomaleosaurus

Description

During the Early Jurassic period, the seas were dominated by ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.

Rhomaleosaurus was a type of plesiosaur, but it had a relatively short neck, a large head, and powerful jaws. It was a fearsome hunter that preyed on other reptiles and fish. With its sharp sense of smell and sight, it could find prey both far away and close by. It was truly a creature like the Tyrannosaurus of the sea.

Its long, pointed teeth were good for catching prey but not for tearing meat. It seems that Rhomaleosaurus swallowed its prey whole. It likely ate not only fish, but also ichthyosaurs and other plesiosaurs; fossils of other plesiosaurs have been found with bite marks from Rhomaleosaurus.

Its nostrils were not used for breathing but for smelling the water. As it swam, water would enter its mouth and pass through its nostrils, allowing it to detect smells.

Rhomaleosaurus swam using four equally long flippers. Its streamlined body was suited for fast swimming. It is thought to have “flown” through the water, much like a modern-day seal.