Stenopterygius Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Stenopterygius Temporal range: Lower to Mid Jurassic

Stenopterygius quadriscissus from the Lower Jurassic of Germany
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Sauropsida
Order:	Ichthyosauria
Family:	Stenopterygiidae
Genus:	Stenopterygius Jaekel, 1904

Stenopterygius was a fascinating ancient marine reptile. It lived during the Jurassic period, a long time ago! This creature was a type of ichthyosaur, which means "fish lizard." It looked a lot like a modern dolphin, with a sleek body perfect for swimming in the ocean.

Stenopterygius was similar to another famous ichthyosaur called Ichthyosaurus. However, Stenopterygius had a slightly smaller head and its flippers were a bit narrower. Its name, Stenopterygius, actually means "narrow wing," which describes its flippers well.

Amazing Swimmer
Reproduction and Life Cycle
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Amazing Swimmer

Stenopterygius had a very special body shape. It was very streamlined, meaning its body was smooth and shaped to move easily through water. This made it a super-fast swimmer! It could chase after its prey, like fish and squid, with great speed.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Scientists have found some amazing fossils of Stenopterygius. Some of these fossils show the remains of baby Stenopterygius still inside their mothers. This tells us that, just like dolphins and whales today, female Stenopterygius gave birth to live young. They didn't lay eggs in nests. Instead, their eggs developed inside the mother's body until the babies were ready to be born.