Researchers discovered a new prehistoric marine animal nicknamed “Sea Dragon” and officially called the Thalassodraco etchesi. The tiny marine reptile lived 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic era and appears to have evolved to dive to extreme depths. The petrified creature was discovered in the deep sea deposit of the late Jurassic along the English Channel coastline in Dorset, England.
The creature is part of the group known as ichthyosaurs. That group of creatures are sleek marine predators. The recently discovered sample has several differences that make it unique enough to be its genus and species. This particular specimen was discovered in 2009 and is believed to have been about 6 feet (6 m) long.
Steve Etches discovered it along the coastline after a cliff collapsed. Scientists say it appears to have some similarities to sperm sources with an extremely deep rib cage that may have allowed for larger lungs and more room for internal organs. More space for internal organs could have prevented them from being crushed under pressure by diving deep into the sea.
The creature also had very large eyes that allowed it to see well in low light. His mouth is lined with hundreds of tiny teeth, indicating that he probably ate a diet of squid and small fish. Its teeth are unique in that they are completely smooth. The creature was breathing air on the surface and had no scales.
Much about these creatures is a mystery. Little is actually known about the biology of the animals. Scientists can only make assumptions based on discovered fossils because nothing comparable lives today. Hopefully, additional research in the future will shed more light on these ancient creatures.