Beschreibung:

Platypterygius longmani Middle Cretaceous Toolebuc Formation, Central Queensland State, Australia Ichthyosaurs lived during the Age of Reptiles, appearing during the Triassic, and became extinct during the Cretaceous, millions of years before the extinction of the dinosaurs. Platypterygius was the last genus of Ichthyosaurs in existence before the extinction of these fish-like creatures. The streamlined marine carnivores possessed sharp teeth in strong, elongated jaws. Their large eyes indicate that ichthyosaurs hunted near the surface of the ocean, as eyes would be less important to a deep-water hunter. They breathed air with lungs through nostrils which were close to the eyes near the top of the snout. Ichthyosaurs are classified as reptiles, yet they gave birth to live young and they did not move about on land. Scientists believe that this strange creature filled a similar ecological niche to today’s dolphin. The present impressive specimen is a well preserved skull with some restoration, and restored teeth. Measures 37 x 14 x 10in