Nothosaurus sp.

Nothosaurs are a group of semi-aquatic reptiles that typically reached about 3 metres in body length. The skull is long, broad and dorsoventrally flattened, but appears relatively small compared with the body. The margins of the elongated jaws carry numerous long, sharp, outwardly protruding teeth that extend to the back of the cheek, indicating a diet of fish. The neck is slender and elongated, and the limbs, trunk and tail are also long. The feet are modified into paddle-like structures with elongated, webbed toes; propulsion in water was probably achieved by undulating the tail, limbs and webbed feet. Nothosaurs are inferred to have preyed on a variety of animals, including ammonites, cephalopods, fish and small reptiles, and to have led a life broadly comparable to that of modern seals - feeding in the water and returning to rocks and beaches to rest. The group first appeared in the Triassic and flourished during the Middle and Late Triassic; its fossils are found mainly in Europe, the Middle East and China. Metadata compiled by the asset provider. This document accompanies the 3D reconstruction and describes the taxon it represents; it is not a primary systematic description. Deep Time Studio | Nothosaurus_Sp Page 2 | 2026-09-29