Stenopterygius quadriscissus
Part of Hall of Vertebrate Origins.
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Part of Hall of Vertebrate Origins.
The Museum's Stenopterygius quadriscissus specimen is world-famous because of the well-preserved outlines of the animal's skeletal structure as well as softer body parts. Stenopterygius quadriscissus evolved a highly modified body for aquatic life.
Stenopterygius quadriscissus is an ichthyosaur, an extinct animal whose body shape closely resembled that of today's fast-swimming fishes such as the tuna. This well-preserved specimen is an ichthyosaur that died and was buried while giving birth to live young.