Kaiwhekea

Kaiwhekea is one of the most complete fossil reptiles ever found in New Zealand, with its skull, jaws, vertebrae and ribs still connected almost as they were in life.1

Its name comes from Maori words meaning 'squid eater', because scientists think it fed on squid and other soft animals.1

Kaiwhekea had about 43 teeth in each upper jaw and 42 in each lower jaw, all small, slim and slightly curved.3

The fossil was found inside a large rock called a concretion, which was cracked and had to be dug out bit by bit over 30 days.1

When Kaiwhekea lived, the Otago region was close to the polar circle, with long summer days and long winter nights.1

Its large forward-facing eyes suggest it had good binocular vision, which might have helped it hunt in deep or dark water.1

Kaiwhekea is thought to have been a fast swimmer, based on the shape of its hind flippers.1