Platypterygius

3D Model

Platypterygius australis Southern Broad-finned Ichthyosaur

Description: sleek, large marine reptile. The only species of ichthyosaur so far known from the Eromanga Sea. It grew up to 5 metres long and possessed long rows of conical teeth perfect for hunting fishes, squids and ammonites. Superficially it resembled a dolphin, a result of a process called convergent evolution.

Age: Cretaceous Period, approximately 105-100 million years ago. Group: Ornithischia (Bird-hipped) dinosaur. Locomotion: swimming with paddles and fins. Diet: Fish-eater. Location: Hughenden, central Queensland.

Visit Lost Creatures at Queensland Museum Network, South Bank, Brisbane, Australia - qm.qld.gov.au

This work was made possible by a partnership between Queensland Museum and BHP. For more information visit projectdig.qm.qld.gov.au

3D Model - Konstantinov, Atuchin & Hocknull (2013). Sketchfab Scene – Hocknull (2020) Image Credit – Lawrence (2013), Beirne (2013). Copyright Queensland Museum (2020)