The Queensland-based Age of Dinosaurs Natural History Museum has announced a remarkable Australian ichthyosaur discovery. The specimen, probably representing Platypterygius australis is perhaps the most complete ichthyosaur ever found “Down Under”. It was unearthed some sixty miles south of McKinlay (Queensland). Preparation will soon commence at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History. The fossil find highlights the rich palaeontological heritage of this part of western Queensland.
An aerial view of the ichthyosaur quarry. Picture credit: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.
Picture credit: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History
A Remarkable Australian Ichthyosaur Discovery
The skeleton measures an impressive 7.1 metres in length. It was discovered on Toolebuc Station by neighbouring property owner and fossil enthusiast Cassandra Prince two years ago. The specimen was carefully excavated the following year by Cassandra and her family. Remarkably well-preserved, the skeleton includes a complete vertebral column, intact left flipper, partial right flipper, rare hind flippers, partial caudal vertebrae and a nearly complete skull and torso. Palaeontologists have described this find as one of the most scientifically valuable marine reptile fossils from Australia.
Cassandra Prince with her ichthyosaur discovery. Picture credit: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.
Picture credit: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History
Platypterygius australis
The Platypterygius genus is a geographically and temporally widespread genus. Numerous species have been named. Although, their taxonomic affinity is controversial all the specimens assigned to this genus are robust, macropredators with robust teeth. It is likely that Platypterygius australis was a formidable predator in the inland sea (Eromanga Sea) that covered much of Australian in the late Early Cretaceous.
Museum Founders David and Judy Elliott assisted Cassandra and her family with collecting the specimen, which was subsequently transported to the Museum so that its preparation can start. The fossil specimen has been generously donated to the Museum by the Toolebuc Station owners. Once cleaned and prepared, the ichthyosaur specimen will be mounted in a special exhibition at the Museum.
David Elliott stated:
“This find is a huge win for science and public exhibitions in Australia. Its discovery is testament to the dedication and expertise of Cassandra and her fossil-hunting family and the unique geological heritage of the region. We look forward to sharing this incredible piece of Australia’s prehistory with visitors for generations to come.”
The Toolebuc fossil ichthyosaur specimen uncovered. This 7.1 metre specimen represents a remarkable Australian ichthyosaur discovery. Picture credit: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.
Picture credit: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History
Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in the compilation of this article.
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