Ichthyosaur Vertebrae – Brachypterygius Sp.

Ichthyosaur vertebrae fossil specimens belonging to the genus Brachypterygius, however the exact species remains undetermined, although given the dates and location of discovery,it can be assumed they belong to the species Brachypterygius extremus. Ichthyosaurs were a group of marine reptiles which lived during the Jurassic period, these sampled were found in the Kimmeridgian clay beds of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, dating them to between 157 to 152 millions years old. The animals themselves are often easily identified by their body shapes, resembling that of modern day dolphins, except the tail fluke propelled the reptile by moving side to side as opposed to up and down. Quick and agile with a mouth full of small, pointed teeth, it is believed that they fed on small fish and ammonites. However, ichthyosaurs themselves were prey to the various species of large pliosaurs which also lived during the same time period, such as liopleurodon. These fossil vertebrae are available in various optional sizes and come supplied in a card tray with an information label.