Name:
Cryptoclidus (Greek for "hidden collarbone"); pronounced crip-toe-CLIDE-us
Habitat:
Shallow oceans off Europe
Historical Period:
Late Jurassic (165-150 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
About 25 feet long and 8 tons
Diet:
Fish and crustaceans
Distinguishing Features:
Long neck; flat head with numerous sharp teeth
About Cryptoclidus:
Cryptoclidus sported the classic body plan of the family of marine reptiles known as plesiosaurs: a long neck, a small head, a relatively thick body and four powerful flippers. As with so many dinosaurs, its name isn't particularly revealing to the non-scientist, referring to an obscure anatomical feature only paleontologists would find interesting (hard-to-find clavicles in the front limb girdle, if you must know).
As with many of its plesiosaur cousins, it's uncertain whether Cryptoclidus led a fully aquatic lifestyle, or spent part of its time on land. Since it's often helpful to infer an ancient reptile's behavior from its resemblance to modern animals, Cryptoclidus' seal-like profile may be a good clue that it was amphibious in nature.
