Megapterygius wakayamaensis is a species of ichthyosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 million years ago. This marine reptile was discovered in the Wakayama region, Japan, and its specific name, "wakayamaensis", refers to this locality.
Megapterygius wakayamaensis belonged to a group of marine reptiles that adapted extraordinarily well to life in water. With an estimated length of between 6 and 8 meters, this ichthyosaur had a fusiform and aerodynamic body, similar to that of modern dolphins, which allowed it to swim at high speeds and maneuver with agility in the marine environment. Its morphology shows well-developed fins and a large, semicircular caudal fin, characteristics that favor efficient swimming.
The skull of Megapterygius wakayamaensis was elongated and narrow, with jaws provided with numerous conical and sharp teeth, ideal for capturing prey such as fish and cephalopods. The eyes were large, suggesting that it had excellent vision, possibly adapted to the low light conditions in the deep sea.
This ichthyosaur is especially notable for its anatomical adaptations that allowed it to be an effective predator. Its skeleton shows robust and well-articulated vertebrae, providing the structure necessary to support vigorous swimming. The pectoral fins were large and powerful, aiding in stability and propulsion.
The discovery of Megapterygius wakayamaensis in Japan expands our knowledge of the geographic distribution of ichthyosaurs during the Early Cretaceous. Its discovery contributes to the understanding of the evolution and diversity of these marine reptiles, which dominated the oceans during much of the Mesozoic era.
Approximate measurements of the Megapterygius:
Megapterygius wakayamaensis belonged to a group of marine reptiles that adapted extraordinarily well to life in water. With an estimated length of between 6 and 8 meters, this ichthyosaur had a fusiform and aerodynamic body, similar to that of modern dolphins, which allowed it to swim at high speeds and maneuver with agility in the marine environment. Its morphology shows well-developed fins and a large, semicircular caudal fin, characteristics that favor efficient swimming.
The skull of Megapterygius wakayamaensis was elongated and narrow, with jaws provided with numerous conical and sharp teeth, ideal for capturing prey such as fish and cephalopods. The eyes were large, suggesting that it had excellent vision, possibly adapted to the low light conditions in the deep sea.
This ichthyosaur is especially notable for its anatomical adaptations that allowed it to be an effective predator. Its skeleton shows robust and well-articulated vertebrae, providing the structure necessary to support vigorous swimming. The pectoral fins were large and powerful, aiding in stability and propulsion.
The discovery of Megapterygius wakayamaensis in Japan expands our knowledge of the geographic distribution of ichthyosaurs during the Early Cretaceous. Its discovery contributes to the understanding of the evolution and diversity of these marine reptiles, which dominated the oceans during much of the Mesozoic era.
Approximate measurements of the Megapterygius:
- 1:35 scale Assembly kit
- Length 112mm
- Height 85mm
- Snout-tail length 171mm
- 1:20 scale Assembly kit
- Length 195mm
- Height 148mm
- Snout-tail length 300 mm
