Cabtilassa

Cabtilassa is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria, specifically within the family Pliosauridae. These large predatory marine reptiles lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 163 to 152 million years ago. Fossil remains of Cabtilassa have been discovered in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Cabtilassa is characterized by its robust build and massive skull, featuring large, sharp teeth indicative of a predatory lifestyle. Like other pliosaurs, it possessed a short neck relative to its body length, in contrast to the long-necked plesiosaurs. Its powerful limbs were adapted into flippers, enabling efficient swimming in the ancient seas. The exact size of Cabtilassa varies depending on the species, but some individuals are estimated to have reached lengths of over 10 meters.

The discovery of Cabtilassa has contributed to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of marine reptiles during the Mesozoic Era. Its fossil evidence helps scientists reconstruct the marine ecosystems of the Late Jurassic and the ecological roles played by these formidable predators. Research on Cabtilassa continues to shed light on the biomechanics, feeding habits, and evolutionary relationships of pliosaurs.