In Depth Cartorhynchus might well be one of the more ground breaking discoveries regarding ichthyosaur research. For over one hundred and fifty years the origins of the ichthyosaurs have been murky to say the least. We know that the ichthyosaurs began appearing in large numbers in the Triassic, so their origin is at least that … Read more
In Depth Baisesaurus is a genus of ichthyosauromorph reptile that lived in the early Triassic. Though the holotype is incomplete, Baisesaurus is thought to have had a strong resemblance to the better known Utatsusaurus. Like Utatsusaurus, Baisesaurus would have been a fully marine reptile that hunted for fish and other aquatic creatures. Further Reading - … Read more
In Depth Chaohusaurus is a genus of ichthyosauromorph marine reptile that lived in sea waters around Asia during the early/mid Triassic. Chaohusaurus had a similar body plan to other primitive ichthyosaurs being more lizard-like than fish-like as seen in later ichthyosaurs. Still, the limbs of Chaohusaurus were adapted to form paddles, and the rear half … Read more
In Depth Sclerocormus is a genus of primitive ichthyosauromorph that lived in waters around Asia during the early Triassic. As a member of the group that was ancestral to the ichthyosaurs, Sclerocormus itself did not look that much like one. The body of Sclerocormus was quite stout and stocky, while the tail of the animal … Read more