Japan has unearthed 72 million years old Blue 'Dragon' that terrorized ancient seas.
Details
In a recent discovery, the extinct and apex predator mosasaur, a huge marine reptile from the Late Cretaceous period, fossil specimen was discovered in Japan.
Around 72 million years ago, this massive creature terrorized the Pacific waters.
In 2006, the remains were unearthed beside the Aridagawa River in Wakayama Prefecture.
According to a study published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, experts named the reptile after Japan's Wakayama Prefecture, meaning 'Blue Dragon.'
Features of Blue Dragon
This underwater predator possessed distinct features that made easy categorization challenging.
According to experts, the animal featured a crocodile-like head and large paddle-shaped flippers.
Its back flippers were larger than its front flippers.
This predator possessed nearly binocular vision, making it a deadly hunter.
More than five feet long, this aquatic creature also featured a dorsal fin similar to the great white shark.
The large front fins might have helped with rapid maneuvering, while its large rear fins might have provided pitch to dive or surface.
The blue dragon's tail produced intense and rapid acceleration while hunting fish and was used for propulsion.