Scientists have hailed the largest and most complete fossil “sea dragon” ever discovered in the UK.
Experts found the 30-foot skeleton of the dolphin-like ichthyosaur in Rutland Water, Rutland.
It is 180 million years old.
They grow to 82 feet (25 meters).
The first ichthyosaurs, which are called sea dragons because they tend to have very large teeth and eyes, were discovered by fossil hunter and paleontologist Mary Anning in the early 19th century.
Dr. Dean Lomax, a paleontologist who has studied the species, said: “Despite the many ichthyosaur fossils found in Britain, it is remarkable to think that the Rutland ichthyosaur 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 excavation is shown on BBC Two’s Digging For Britain.
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced here with permission.