Archaeonectrus Novozhilov, 1964
Genus proposed for 'Plesiosaurus' rostratus by Novozhilov (1964) classified as a pliosauroid, sometimes within the Rhomaleosauridae. By modern standards Owen's (1865) original description is rather inadequate. One notable character is the relatively small size of the limbs relative to the the body. Archaeonectrus rostratus is the type and only species of this genus.
Classification
Sauropterygia --> Eosauropterygia --> Eusauropterygia --> Pistosauroidea --> Plesiosauria --> Pliosauroidea --> Rhomaleosauridae
Archaeonectrus rostratus (Owen, 1865)
Material
BMNH 38525, complete articulated skeleton including skull preserved in dorsal view.
Age and Location
Sinemurian, Lower Jurassic, Charmouth, Dorset, England.
Archaeonectrus images
Illustration of the holotype of Archaeonectrus from Owen, 1865.
