Researchers have identified surprisingly well-preserved remains of ancient marine “dragons”, predatory underwater mosasaur reptiles. The fossil, named Wakayama Soryu, meaning blue dragon, was discovered in Wakayama Prefecture in 2006. This is the most complete mosasaur skeleton ever discovered in the Pacific Northwest.

Study co-author Akihiro Misaki of the University of Cincinnati discovered the bones while searching for ammonites (invertebrates) in sandstone. Instead, he discovered a strange, dark fossil. Careful analysis revealed that it was a vertebra. Subsequent excavations led to the discovery of a nearly perfect mosasaur, approximately 72 million years old.

Paleontologists from the University of Cincinnati carefully examined the fossils and discovered the unusual physical features of this ancient marine predator. The size of this mosasaur was so different that it was comparable to the great white shark. It likely had “extra-long hind fins” that facilitated locomotion, along with a long tail.

The mesosaurus fossil, which scientists named Megapterygius wakayamaensis, had a shark-like fin on its back. Researchers believe that swimming helped the reptile move quickly and precisely in the water. This distinguishes it from other mosasaurs.

Researchers believe the giant creature had almost “binocular vision,” adding to its prowess as a formidable hunter. Mosasaurs were the apex predators and dominated the ancient oceans from approximately 100 to 66 million years ago. They ceased to exist due to the same mass extinction that wiped out almost all dinosaurs. Source