Pleurosaurus

Taxobox
name = "Pleurosaurus"

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image_width = 250px
image_caption =
fossil_range = Late Jurassic
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo = Sphenodontia
familia = Pleurosauridae
genus = "Pleurosaurus"
binomial = "Pleurosaurus goldfussi"

"Pleurosaurus" is an extinct genus of diapsid reptile belonging to the order Sphenodontia.

"Pleurosaurus" fossils were discovered in the Solnhofen limestone formation of Bavaria, Germany. It is the one of the few known aquatic sphenodontians.Its body was approximately 600 mm (2 ft) long, and elongated for hydrodynamic streamlining, with comparatively short limbs and a powerful tail, which was used for propulsion.

The only known living sphenodontian is the tuatara of New Zealand.

References