Day 15: When you’re paddling through prehistoric waters, you expect danger to come from below—a Mosasaurus, maybe, or a lurking predator. What you don’t expect is a long, sinuous neck rising out of the water right next to your boat. That’s how I met Plesiosaurus, the aquatic reptile that’s been haunting human imagination for centuries. And let me tell you: Nessie’s got nothing on the real thing.
Quick Facts About Plesiosaurus
Here’s what makes this marine reptile so fascinating:
- Name Meaning: Plesiosaurus means “near lizard.”
- Time Period: Lived around 203–182 million years ago during the Early Jurassic.
- Size: About 11–15 feet long, with a long neck making up nearly half its body.
- Diet: Carnivore, feeding on fish and squid-like creatures.
- Habitat: Shallow seas and coastlines in what is now Europe.
Max’s Encounter: Nessie in the Flesh
It started as a calm day on the water. I was paddling in a small boat (don’t ask how I got one; let’s just say it involved a bit of creative scavenging), hoping to spot something interesting. The water was clear, the sun was shining, and I thought I was safe.
Then I saw the ripple.
At first, I thought it was just a fish. But then a long, slender neck rose out of the water, followed by a small, pointed head. The Plesiosaurus blinked at me with its round, dark eyes, and I froze, my paddle hovering above the water.
It didn’t seem aggressive—just curious. I slowly reached for my camera, trying not to make any sudden movements, and snapped a picture. The shutter sound startled it, and it dipped back below the surface with a flick of its paddle-like fins.
I thought it was gone, but then I felt a nudge against the bottom of the boat. Not hard—just enough to let me know it was still there. I didn’t stick around to find out what it wanted.
Why Does Plesiosaurus Have Such a Long Neck?
- Fishing Tool
Its long neck allowed it to snap up fish without disturbing the water too much, making it a stealthy hunter. - Maneuverability
The neck could twist and turn, giving Plesiosaurus a wide range of motion for catching prey in tight spots. - Unsolved Mystery
Scientists still debate why Plesiosaurus evolved such a long neck. Some think it was purely for hunting, while others believe it played a role in mating displays or intimidation.
Did You Know?
- Plesiosaurus wasn’t a dinosaur—it was a marine reptile. Its closest modern relatives are lizards and snakes.
- Unlike Mosasaurus, which relied on speed, Plesiosaurus swam with a steady, almost graceful motion using its four paddle-like fins.
- Some species of plesiosaurs were much larger than Plesiosaurus itself, with necks stretching over 20 feet.
Real Plesiosaurus Pictures
The photo I got is haunting: the Plesiosaurus’s head and neck emerging from the water, framed by the ripples it left behind. Sam said it looks like something out of a cryptid documentary. I told her it’s proof that Nessie’s myth might be closer to reality than people think.
[Dinosaur pictures are coming soon, just waiting for the film to develop!]
Field Notes From Max
- Survival Tip: Don’t panic if a Plesiosaurus pops up near you—they’re curious, not aggressive. Just keep calm and avoid splashing.
- What I Learned: Marine reptiles like Plesiosaurus weren’t just hunters—they were elegant, efficient creatures perfectly adapted to their environment.
- Favorite Moment: Watching its neck twist gracefully as it disappeared back into the water.
The Bigger Picture
Plesiosaurus proves that the line between fact and myth is thinner than we think. Its elegant design and curious nature might explain why stories of sea serpents have persisted for so long.
Back home, Plesiosaurus is often dismissed as “just another marine reptile,” but my photo might change that. Meanwhile, Sam thinks I should start a blog about prehistoric cryptids. “You’ve got Nessie, now go find Bigfoot’s ancestor,” she said. Not a bad idea, honestly.
Next up: Day 16: Therizinosaurus – The Dino With the Scariest Claws Ever.
What happens when a dinosaur’s claws are longer than a sword? Stay tuned for the time I discovered just how terrifying Therizinosaurus could be—and why I hope I never meet another one.
