Name:
Rhomaleosaurus (Greek for "strong lizard"); pronounced ROE-ma-LAY-oh-SORE-us
Habitat:
Shores of Western Europe
Historical Period:
Early Jurassic (200-195 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
About 20 feet long; weight unknown
Diet:
Fish, squids and aquatic reptiles
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Large head with numerous sharp teeth
About Rhomaleosaurus:
Thanks to the discovery of numerous intact fossils, Rhomaleosaurus is one of the best-known pliosaurs of the early Jurassic. In fact, this is one of those aquatic reptiles that was dug up before its time: a complete Rhomaleosaurus skeleton was found by miners in Yorkshire, England in 1848, and must have given them quite a scare.
With its large head, sharp teeth and powerfully muscled body, Rhomaleosaurus was one of the most dangerous predators of its day, feeding on fish, squids, and smaller aquatic reptiles that crossed its path. It also seems to have had an impressive sense of smell, picking up the scent of prey as it funneled water through its nostrils.
