Minimisena

Minimisena is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the family Pliosauridae, a group of plesiosaurs characterized by their short necks and large heads. These marine predators lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. Fossils attributed to minimisena have been found in Europe, particularly in England.

The most distinguishing feature of minimisena is its relatively small size compared to many other pliosaurs. While precise measurements are difficult due to incomplete fossil records, it is understood to have been a medium-sized pliosaur, likely measuring between 4 to 6 meters in length. This size would have allowed it to prey on a variety of smaller marine animals, including fish and ammonites.

Minimisena possessed the typical pliosaur anatomy: a powerful, elongated skull with numerous sharp teeth, a robust body, and large, paddle-like limbs adapted for swimming. The skull structure suggests a strong bite force capable of seizing and crushing prey. Its teeth were conical and suited for grasping slippery targets.

The discovery of minimisena has contributed to our understanding of pliosaur diversity during the Jurassic. It represents a more gracile form within a group often dominated by giants like Pliosaurus and Liopleurodon. The specific evolutionary relationships of minimisena within Pliosauridae are still a subject of ongoing research.