Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil

Above: Front of the Specimen Card

Ichthyosaurs were marine reptiles with streamlined bodies, no neck, and smooth heads. They were air-breathing creatures with two nostrils situated far back on the top of the head, generally similar in shape to a modern porpoise. Ichthyosaurs likely fed on fish using their numerous sharp teeth and enormous eyes to locate prey in deep water. Most abundant and diverse during the Triassic and Jurassic Periods, their fossils have been uncovered around the world and were extant through the Early Cretaceous. 

Above: Ichthyosaur specimens photographed with the delightful book "Paleoart. Visions of the Prehistoric Past" by Zoë Lescaze.

This specimen is an Ichthyosaur vertebra recovered from Jurassic Period formations in the United Kingdom. Recorded discoveries of partial Ichthyosaur fossils in this region date back to the 18th century, though they were often mistaken for fish. It wasn't until 1811 when Joseph Anning, brother of the famous fossil-hunter Mary Anning, discovered the remains of an Ichthyosaur which was later unearthed in its entirety by Ms. Anning and studied by surgeon Everard Home, that a better understanding of Ichthyosaurs began to develop.

Ichthyosaur Sizing:

• Fragment - A fragment of vertebra roughly 5mm is diameter. T he specimen is housed within a glass-topped riker display case. The case measures 4"x3"x1". A small information card is also included.
• Whole - A complete vertebra. Typically ~3" (75mm) in diameter. This item ships in a sturdy carton for open display (i.e. no display case - too big!).

Color and shape varies widely with this specimen. The pictures provided on this page are meant to be representative of the average. Of course, they are all awesome!