Plesiosaurus – Enigmatic Long-necked Giant of the Seas

A Giant with a Long Neck – and Many Secrets

When one thinks of prehistoric sea monsters, the Plesiosaurus quickly comes to mind. With its long, slender neck, compact body, and four paddle-like flippers, it was one of the most impressive animals to ever inhabit the oceans. Yet, despite its fame, it continues to raise questions that puzzle paleontologists to this day.

Who was the Plesiosaurus?

The Plesiosaurus lived approximately 200 to 66 million years ago – from the early Jurassic period to the end of the Cretaceous period. It belonged to the group of Plesiosauria, an order of marine reptiles that were not related to dinosaurs but formed their own evolutionary lineage.

Typical for many species in this group: an extremely long neck that could make up to a third of the total body length. Some species like Elasmosaurus had over 70 neck vertebrae – for comparison: humans only have 7.

How did it hunt?

For a long time, there was debate about how the Plesiosaurus used its long neck. Today, researchers assume that it used it to quickly snap up fish and squid – similar to a snake striking out of the water. Its body remained still, while its neck served as a precise hunting instrument.

Where did it live?

Plesiosaur fossils have been found on all continents – even in Antarctica. Morocco, England, and Argentina are particularly rich in finds. The Moroccan phosphate basins from the Cretaceous period have provided us with some of the best-preserved specimens.

An Original Vertebra from the Cretaceous Period

Every vertebra of a Plesiosaurus is a direct testament to this fascinating era. Our specimens come from Morocco and are original fossils – not a cast, not a reconstruction.

Why did it go extinct?

Like the dinosaurs, the plesiosaurs also disappeared at the end of the Cretaceous period, about 66 million years ago – during the great mass extinction, presumably triggered by an asteroid impact. After over 130 million years of evolution, their history ended in a geological instant.

A vertebra from this period is more than a fossil – it is a piece of our planet's history.