Cryptoclidus

The name Cryptoclidus means 'hidden collarbone' because its collarbones are tiny and hidden in the shoulder area.1

Fossils of Cryptoclidus have been found in the Oxford Clay of Cambridgeshire, England, and in the Kimmeridge Clay of France.1

The type species was first called Plesiosaurus eurymerus, which means 'wide thigh bone', because scientists mistook a front flipper bone for a back leg bone.1

Cryptoclidus had a small, fragile skull and teeth that could not handle tough prey, so it ate only soft animals.1

Scientists think Cryptoclidus used its long, intermeshing teeth to strain small animals from the water or sift through mud.1

The size and shape of its nostrils suggest Cryptoclidus could smell chemicals in seawater, helping it find food.1

Complete skeletons of Cryptoclidus have been found, including some that are nearly entirely preserved, showing both adults and juveniles.1