237-174.1 million years old

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The Ichthyosaurus is not technically classified as a dinosaur, but it is often grouped with them because of its dinosaur-like appearance and the common reference to it as a “dino.” Unlike many of the giant land dinosaurs, the Ichthyosaurus was a marine reptile, adapted to life in the oceans. It was relatively small compared to many other prehistoric creatures, measuring about 3.3 meters in length.

We know a great deal about the Ichthyosaurus thanks to the remarkable number of fossils discovered, particularly in Holzmaden, Germany, where several hundred well-preserved specimens have been found. Some of these fossils are especially rare and valuable to science — including examples showing an unborn baby inside the mother and even pieces of fossilized skin, giving us a unique glimpse into the creature’s biology and reproduction.

The Ichthyosaurus also has a special place in paleontological history due to the work of Mary Anning, a famous fossil collector from England. She discovered the first complete Ichthyosaurus fossil in the early 19th century, helping to shed light on these fascinating marine reptiles and contributing significantly to our understanding of prehistoric life.

In our webshop, you can find authentic Ichthyosaurus fossils and replicas that capture the incredible story of this remarkable creature from the ancient seas.