Rhomaleosaurus (R. megacephalus `Strong lizard´) is an extinct genus of marine reptiles belonging to the pliosaur family. It lived during the Middle and Late Jurassic, approximately 165-155 million years ago. Fossil remains of Rhomaleosaurus are known from various parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and North America.
Rhomaleosaurus was a large marine reptile, with an elongated body and a large, powerful head. It is estimated that its average size could reach 6 meters in length, although some species may have been even larger. It had a short, stocky neck, with strong muscles that allowed it to move its head quickly and agilely.
One of the most notable features of Rhomaleosaurus was its sharp, cone-shaped teeth. It had a large number of teeth in its jaw, arranged in several rows. These teeth were ideal for catching and tearing at their prey, which probably consisted of fish, ammonites and other pliosaurs, and smaller marine reptiles.
Rhomaleosaurus's body was adapted for marine life. It had a robust and well calcified skeleton, with numerous vertebrae that gave it great flexibility in the water. Its limbs were short and fin-shaped, which allowed it to move easily and quickly in the aquatic environment. Its flippers were also provided with sharp claws, allowing it to catch and hold its prey.
In addition to its size and strength, Rhomaleosaurus also had a large brain compared to other marine reptiles of the time, indicating that it had good cognitive ability and complex social behavior. It is believed to have been an active and swift predator, capable of hunting in deep water and pursuing its prey effectively.
Rhomaleosaurus also had a distinctive feature on its skull: a long, narrow snout with a blunt tip. This gave it a unique appearance and set it apart from other pliosaurs. It is believed that it used its long snout to search for prey in cracks and crevices on the seabed, and then caught it with its sharp teeth.
Rhomaleosaurus reproduction is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to have laid eggs like most reptiles. Rhomaleosaurus fossils have also revealed evidence of bone lesions, suggesting that these animals could have violent encounters with other members of their species or with prey.
The Model Pose represents a specimen of Rhomaleosaurus swimming along the seabed in search of one of its possible prey.
Approximate measurements of the Rhomaleosaurus:
- Scale 1:60 - 87 x 66 x 46 mm H
- Scale 1:35 - 149 x 113 x 77 mm H
