Cryptoclidus eurymerus

Cryptoclidus is a marine reptile belonging to the plesiosaur group, of which it shares all the main characteristics: a bulky, rounded, barrel-shaped body, a long neck ending in a small head, a short tail. The belly was protected by a system of interlocking ventral ribs known as gastralia. Their powerful swimming flippers are reminiscent of those of modern cetaceans and are composed of five digits, but with a much greater number of phalanges. Plesiosaurs practiced a type of swimming known as “sub-aquatic flight” in which their front and rear paddles were alternately beaten up and down like wings (hence the term), with a slight twisting motion. This mode of swimming, which requires powerful muscles attached to the large flat bones of the scapular and pelvis girdles, is today practiced by sea turtles, sea lions and penguins.

The name Cryptoclidus (from the Greek cryptos, meaning “hidden”, and cleis/cleidos, meaning “clavicle”) refers to a particular feature of the scapular girdle.

This skeleton was reconstructed from the bones of several individuals, the skull is entirely of plaster while the mandible is original.

Donated by M. Sturtz (Bonn).