| Ichthyosaurus (derived from Greek ιχθυς meaning
'fish' and σαυρος meaning 'lizard') is an extinct genus of
diapsid reptile, belonging to the aquatic
ichthyosaur
order, which was named after it. Naturally, this is the best known
genus. Ichthyosaurus was smaller than most of its relatives,
measuring 2 m (6 ft 8 inches) in length. Hundreds of incredibly
well-preserved,
fossilised
skeletons have been found in
Jurassic rock at
Holzmaden,
Germany.
Some of the bones were still articulated. Some fossils still had baby
specimens inside them, indicating that Ichthyosaurus (and other
ichthyosaurs) were
viviparous. Similar finds in the related
Stenopterygius also show this. The German fossils also featured
the outline of Ichthyosaurus's skin, revealing that it had a
fleshy
dorsal fin on its back and a large
caudal fin. Other ichthyosaur fossils showed this feature was not
limited to Ichthyosaurus.
Ichthyosaurus's
ear bones
were solid, probably transferring water vibrations to the
inner
ear. Still, hunting by
sight was
the creature's main feeding activity; it had huge, sensitive
eyes,
protected by bony shields.
Coprolites of Ichthyosaurus reveal that its diet consisted of
fish and
squid.
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