Researchers have discovered a new prehistoric sea animal nicknamed “Sea Dragon” and officially named it Thalassodraco etchesi. The small 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 marine deposit in the late Jurassic along the English Coastline in Dorset, England.
The creature is part of the group known as ichthyosaurs. This group of creatures are streamlined marine predators. The monster recently discovered has different differences, which makes it unique enough to be the sex and species. This particular specimen was discovered in 2009 and is believed to be about six feet long.
Steve Etches discovered it along the shoreline after a cliff collapsed. Scientists say it appears to have some similarities with sperm wells with an extremely deep rib cage that may have allowed larger lungs and more space for internal organs. More space for internal organs could prevent them from being pushed under pressure deep into the sea.
The creature also had very large eyes to see well in low light conditions. His mouth was lined with hundreds of small teeth, suggesting that he probably ate a diet of squid and small fish. His teeth are unique because they are completely smooth. The creature inhaled air on the surface and had no scales.
Many of these creatures are a mystery. There is actually little known about the biology of the animals. Scientists can only make assumptions based on fossils discovered because nothing similar exists today. Hopefully, extra research in the future sheds more light on these old creatures.