Groundbreaking Discovery: New Ichthyosaur Species Found in Portugal's Ancient Seas

Paleontologists have unveiled a new genus and species of baracromian ichthyosaur, discovered in the Água de Madeiros Formation, Portugal. This remarkable find sheds light on the marine life of the Early Jurassic period, approximately 193 million years ago.

Gadusaurus aqualigneus. Image credit: Pratas e Sousa et al., doi: 10.4202/app.01199.2024.

The newly identified species, Gadusaurus aqualigneus, was a small-sized ichthyosaur, measuring an estimated 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length. The discovery is based on a nearly complete skull found in 2021, offering unprecedented insights into the ichthyosaur fauna of the Iberian Peninsula.

Key Findings:

• First complete ichthyosaur remains described in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Represents a new species within the ichthyosaur clade Baracromia.
• The specimen predates the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, suggesting potential impacts on marine life.

The research, published in Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, highlights the significance of the Lusitanian Basin as a rich source of marine fossils from the Lower Jurassic. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of prehistoric marine ecosystems but also marks a pivotal moment in paleontological research in Portugal.