Marine Reptile Fossil (Ichthyosaur) — Signed Dr. B. Hauff 1927

Marine Reptile Fossil (Ichthyosaur) — Signed Dr. B. Hauff 1927

Stenopterygius quadriscissus

Early Jurassic, Toarcian Stage (approx. 180 million years ago)

Holzmaden, Germany

Ichthyosaur fossil measures 55⅛ inches (140 cm) in length and 15⅝ inches (39.7 cm) in height from top of trunk to bottom of left forelimb paddle, on a framed and cleated plate measuring 60 x 19¾ x 3¼ inches (152.4 x 50.2 x 8.3 cm). 180 pounds (81.6 kg).

A fossil belonging to Stenopterygius quadriscissus, one of over a hundred species of extinct marine reptiles known more broadly as Ichthyosaurs. The skeleton is preserved mostly in articulation in its original Posidonia Shale sedimentary rock. The skeleton is exposed in exquisite detail and expertly prepared by renowned paleontologist Dr. Bernhard Hauff (1866–1950). Soft tissue residue is preserved visibly outlining the left forelimb paddle and within the body cavity. The black residue in the rib cage may represent internal organs or the animal's final meal.

Much of the axial skeleton including ribs from the cervical vertebrae to the base of the tail are not fully joined in articulation. This allows the morphology of the vertebrae to be better viewed and appreciated. The bones in all four paddles are preserved, however, only the paddles from the left side remain articulated. Based on its overall proportional size, this specimen belonged to a sub-adult individual.