Ichthyosaur Vertebrae

These fossilised vertebrae are from Platypterygius, a type of ichthyosaur that swam in the seas around Western Australia about 120 million years ago. Ichthyosaurs were large marine reptiles, shaped a bit like modern dolphins perfectly adapted for life in the ocean.

This species could grow up to 7 metres long, with a streamlined body for fast swimming and sharp teeth for catching fish and squid. Discovered near Kalbarri, these bones are a reminder of the enormous predators that once ruled the ancient seas.