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'''Cymbospondylus''' was a primitive early Ichthyosaur that lived in the middle of the Triassic period (220 million years ago). Despite its primitive nature, it was also one of the largest Ichthyosaurs, and fossils range from 18 ft (6 meters) up to 30 ft long (10 meters). It was one of the least fish-like of the Ichthyosaurus, lacking a dorsal fin and fluked tail. It did, however, have an elongated snout like other Ichthyosaurs; although still classified as an Ichthyosaur of the primitive shastasaurid group, its eel-like resemblance have led to speculation as to whether ''Cymbospondylus'' was a true Ichthyosaur.
The eel-like tail of ''Cymbospondylus'' made up almost half the total body length, and it is possible that the tail was used as a primary swimming mechanism. Like present day Sea Snakes, Cymbospondylus probably swum by wriggling it's body from side to side. The paddle-like limbs Cymbospondylus had were serving use primarily as underwater stabilizers and slowing down the Ichthyosaur's swimming speed.
''Cymbospondylus'' fossils have been found in both Germany and Nevada, and the first species was named by Joseph Leidy in 1868.

Contents

In popular culture

References

External links

In popular culture

''Cymbospondylus'' appeared in ''Sea Monsters'', a spin off to ''Walking with Dinosaurs''. It is portrayed as the top predator in the sixth most deadly sea of all time. It repeatedly strikes at TV host Nigel Marven, the attack ending with the ''Cymbospondylus'' still circling Nigel. What happened after that is highly speculative, though it is most likely that Nigel escaped, as he appears later in the Devonian Period, facing the even more dangerous ''Dunkleosteus''.

References

Dixon, Dougal, 2006. "The Complete Book of Dinosaurs." Hermes House.

External links

★ http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/seamonsters/factfiles/cymbospondylus.shtml

★ http://www.nigelmarven.com/photo_gallery.asp?g=1&id=19