January 01, 2022
Scientists discovered a new marine species that could have lived some 130 million years ago in South America. The fossil study reveals that the fish looked like a huge swordfish with a metre-long skull and plenty of unique teeth that allowed it to eat large animals. The species is being called an ichthyosaurus, which means ‘fish lizard’ in Greek. It is assumed that the fish must have swum in shallow waters during the early Cretaceous period. The fossil was found some 50 years ago but has recently been reexamined by experts. This new discovery will help scientists understand the ichthyosaurus family tree and how the species evolved.
Did You Know?
Swordfish lose their teeth and scales as they reach adulthood.
