Cryptoclidus

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Cryptoclidus
Temporal range: Middle Jurassic
166–164 mya
skeleton cast of Cryptoclidus
University of Tübingen
Scientific classification
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Cryptoclidus

Cryptoclidus was a plesiosaur, an aquatic reptile up to 13 feet (4 m) long. It had curved, interlocking teeth, a wide skull, and large, flexible, paddle-like flippers. The fragile head and teeth could not deal with large prey. That suggests a diet of small, soft-bodied animals such as squid and small shoaling fish.

Cryptoclidus fossils have been found in England, France, Russia and possibly South America.

Cryptoclidus was named by Seeley in 1892. The type species is C. eurymerus.