Ichthyosaurs

Ichthyosaurs were sea reptiles that looked a lot like modern dolphins. Their name means "fish lizard." They lived from about 250 to 90 million years ago. Ichthyosaurs were perfectly shaped for fast swimming.

Shaped Like a Dolphin

Ichthyosaurs had streamlined bodies, pointed snouts, and crescent-shaped tails. They looked so much like dolphins that they are a great example of convergent evolution. This means two different animals evolved the same body shape. Ichthyosaurs had huge eyes, some of the largest of any animal ever.

Fast Ocean Swimmers

Some ichthyosaurs could grow over 65 feet long, bigger than most whales today. They breathed air and gave birth to live babies in the water. Their diet included fish and squid. Their enormous eyes helped them see in deep, dark water where they hunted.

Fun Facts

• Some ichthyosaurs had eyes nearly 10 inches across — the size of dinner plates!
• They gave birth to live babies tail-first, just like dolphins do.
• The first ichthyosaur fossil was found by 12-year-old Mary Anning in 1811.

Did You Know?

Ichthyosaurs evolved from land reptiles that went back to the ocean, just like whales evolved from land mammals millions of years later. They could dive deep into the ocean to hunt in total darkness!