Plesiosaurus was a marine reptile that lived earlier than Mosasaurus, during the early Jurassic period about 201–175 million years ago. It wasn’t a dinosaur either — it belonged to a separate group of ocean-dwelling reptiles. Most species were around 3–5 meters long and are famous for their very long necks and small heads.
It likely fed on fish and small marine animals, using quick side-to-side strikes of its neck to catch prey. Unlike eel-like swimmers, Plesiosaurus moved through the water using four powerful flippers in a motion similar to underwater flying, more like sea turtles than fish. It breathed air and had to surface regularly. Fossils of Plesiosaurus have been found mainly in Europe, and its unusual shape even inspired some famous sea-monster legends.
This artwork is unique and totally hand-drawn with archival quality watercolour paints and ink on the 100% cotton paper by Saunders Waterford.
