Ectenognathus

Ectenognathus is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur, a group of marine reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era. The genus is known from a single species, Ectenognathus electrophorus, which was discovered in the Posidonia Shale of Germany. This fossil bed dates to the Early Jurassic period, approximately 180 million years ago. Ectenognathus belongs to the clade Euronectes, which also includes other early ichthyosaur genera.

The name Ectenognathus is derived from Greek words meaning "long jaw," referring to the elongated snout of the animal. The species name, electrophorus, likely refers to the rapid and agile nature of the creature, or perhaps its presumed hunting style. Ectenognathus was a relatively small ichthyosaur, with the holotype specimen measuring around 2 meters in length. Its skull was slender and elongated, featuring numerous small, sharp teeth, suggesting a diet of small fish or squid.

As an ichthyosaur, Ectenognathus was adapted for a fully aquatic lifestyle. It possessed a streamlined body, paddle-like limbs for propulsion and steering, and a tail fluke for efficient swimming. Its skeletal structure indicates it was a relatively active predator. The discovery of Ectenognathus contributes to our understanding of the early evolution and diversification of ichthyosaurs during the Early Jurassic. Fossil discoveries like this help paleontologists reconstruct the marine ecosystems of the past.