Back to the animal collection
Plesiosaurus
Reference image · may depict a reconstruction or specimen

the paleobear · Original image & credits · CC BY 2.0

Image is cropped for display. View uncropped original

EXTINCT LIFE

Plesiosaurus

Meet plesiosaurus—one more extraordinary life to discover.

Discover the expedition atlas
A CLOSER LOOK

A reference overview

Plesiosaurus (Greek: πλησίος (plesios), near to + σαῦρος (sauros), lizard) is a genus of extinct, large marine sauropterygian reptile that lived during the Early Jurassic. It is known by nearly complete skeletons from the Lias of England. Measuring around 3.5 m (11 ft) long, it is distinguishable by its small head, long and slender neck, broad turtle-like body, a short tail, and two pairs of large, elongated paddles.

Overview excerpt from Wikipedia contributors · Plesiosaurus, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Excerpt may be shortened. Overview retrieved 2026-10-09.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT

The evidence behind this discovery

Source-linked

This overview is attributed to Wikipedia contributors and was retrieved on 2026-10-09. Retrieval is not independent scientific review.

Reference media

The picture has a linked creator and license. Extinct-animal images may show a fossil, specimen or reconstruction; a reconstruction is not a photograph of the living animal.

Scope and uncertainty

Map points represent selected regions, not complete ranges or live sightings. References and identifications can change. A linked source is not an expert certification.

Read our evidence and editorial approach →
LET ONE QUESTION OPEN ANOTHER

Where will this discovery take you?

Follow a discovery guide ↗
Saved on this browser.
Return to your collection