Body shape and swimming
A life restoration model of Ophthalmosaurus
Body shape
The body of Ophthalmosaurus icenicus was
- about 4 metres long
- with a long snout
- a barrel-shaped but streamlined body
- large, broad fore-paddles
- much smaller hind paddles
- a large dorsal fin
- two tail flukes
- tail vertebrae bend sharply downwards supporting the lower tail fluke
- weighed around 930-950 kg
The body outline is known from other ichthyosaurs so we know it had a similar body shape, just like whales and dolphins.
Fore paddles
Ophthalmosaurus icenicus had large broad fore-paddles used for steering and manoeuvering.
Swimming
All ichthyosaurs were totally sea-going; it is known from some fossils that all ichthyosaurs gave birth to live young in the water.
Ophthalmosaurus icenicus swam in a fish-like manner using its powerful tail for propulsion at between 2.5 and 1.0 metres per second.