The ichthyosaur specimen, thought to be Temnodontosaurus trigonodon, measures around 10 metres in length. Image © Anglian Water/Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust/Matthew Power Photography
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By James Ashworth
First published 10 January 2022
The largest and most complete ichthyosaur ever found in the UK has been unearthed in the nation’s smallest county.
The ancient marine reptile, measuring more than 10 metres long, was discovered during maintenance work on Rutland Water in February where it once swam the oceans over 180 million years ago.
There are hopes to learn more about an enigmatic group of marine reptiles that lived alongside the dinosaurs after a well-preserved specimen was uncovered in Rutland.
The ichthyosaur was uncovered at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve after a lagoon island was drained for landscaping in February 2021. The specimen was then painstakingly excavated in August and September before being lifted out of the clay.
Researchers hope to study the ancient reptile to find out more about how it may have lived hundreds of millions of years ago, and help identify the fossils of its relatives.
Dr Dean Lomax, a palaeontologist who specialises in ichthyosaurs, says, ‘Britain is the birthplace of ichthyosaurs – their fossils have been unearthed here for over 200 years, with the first scientific findings dating back to Mary Anning and her discoveries along the Jurassic Coast.
‘Despite the many ichthyosaur fossils found in Britain, it is remarkable to think that the Rutland specimen is the largest skeleton ever found in the UK. It is a truly unprecedented discovery and one of the greatest finds in British palaeontological history.’
The partnership which uncovered the specimen hopes to keep it in Rutland, with funds being raised towards ensuring it stays in the local community.
Ichthyosaurus acutirostris and its relatives were among the top predators roaming the seas over 150 million years ago. Image © NHM London
