Contectopalatus
Encyclopedia
Contectopalatus was a primitive ichthyosaur
, an extinct fish-like marine reptile from the Middle Triassic
of Germany. It was originally named Ichthyosaurus
atavus (Quenstedt, 1851/52), and later Mixosaurus
atavus (Quenstedt 1852). It was recognised as a valid genus by Maisch and Matzke in 1998, though other authorities argue that it is synonymous with Mixosaurus. It was 5 metres long.
Ichthyosaur
Ichthyosaurs were giant marine reptiles that resembled fish and dolphins...
, an extinct fish-like marine reptile from the Middle Triassic
Middle Triassic
In the geologic timescale, the Middle Triassic is the second of three epochs of the Triassic period or the middle of three series in which the Triassic system is divided. It spans the time between 245 ± 1.5 Ma and 228 ± 2 Ma...
of Germany. It was originally named Ichthyosaurus
Ichthyosaurus
Ichthyosaurus is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur from the Early Jurassic of Europe . It is among the best known ichthyosaur genera, with the Order Ichthyosauria being named after it...
atavus (Quenstedt, 1851/52), and later Mixosaurus
Mixosaurus
Mixosaurus is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur. Fossils of Mixosaurus have been found all over the world - China, Timor, Indonesia, Italy, Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Canada, Alaska, and Nevada. It was named in 1887 by George H. Baur...
atavus (Quenstedt 1852). It was recognised as a valid genus by Maisch and Matzke in 1998, though other authorities argue that it is synonymous with Mixosaurus. It was 5 metres long.