Saadetis

Saadetis is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria, specifically within the suborder Pliosauria. These marine predators roamed the oceans during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago. The genus name "Saadetis" is derived from Latin and refers to a mythological sea creature.

Fossils of Saadetis have been discovered in Europe, primarily in the United Kingdom. The most well-known species, Saadetis giganteus, is characterized by its massive skull and powerful jaws. Like other pliosaurs, Saadetis possessed a short neck, a broad body, and four large, paddle-like flippers, which it used for propulsion through the water. Their diet likely consisted of fish, ammonites, and possibly other marine reptiles.

The anatomy of Saadetis suggests it was an apex predator in its environment. Its large size and formidable dentition would have allowed it to compete with other large marine reptiles of the Jurassic seas. The discovery of Saadetis fossils provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of pliosaurs during the Mesozoic Era. Research on Saadetis continues to shed light on the ecological dynamics of Late Jurassic marine ecosystems.