Ophthalmosaurus fossil map
Where fossils of Ophthalmosaurus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 160 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 160 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Ichthyosaurs |
|---|---|
| Lived | 201.4–132.6 million years ago (Hettangian to Valanginian) |
| Periods | Jurassic, Cretaceous |
| Family | Ophthalmosauridae |
| Named by | Seeley 1874 |
| Fossil records | 27 occurrences at 24 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | UK, Argentina, Russian Federation, United States, France, Greenland, Mexico |
| Rock formations | txn:170908, Oxford Clay, Sundance, Vaca Muerta, Spilsby Sandstone, La Caja |
About Ophthalmosaurus
Ophthalmosaurus (Greek ὀφθάλμος ophthalmos 'eye' and σαῦρος sauros 'lizard') is a genus of ichthyosaur known from the Middle-Late Jurassic. Possible remains from the earliest Cretaceous (Berriasian stage) are also known. It was a relatively medium-sized ichthyosaur, measuring 4 m (13 ft) long and weighing 940 kg (2,070 lb). Named for its extremely large eyes, it had a jaw containing many small but robust teeth. Major fossil finds of this genus have been recorded in Europe with a second species possibly being found in North America.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Ophthalmosaurus (revision 1376972610), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 22 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q131208.
