The Jurassic saw many new types of marine reptiles, some all new, and some descended from the Triassic marine reptiles. Among the returning species was the icthyosaurs, and one of the many Jurassic variants was the giant eyed Ophthalmosaurus. This creature may look like a fish or dolphin, but it is not related to either. These large sea reptiles sped through the seas, always fighting for survival against giant predators and the elements.

Basic info

Meaning of name: Ophthalmosaurus means "eye lizard".

Time of existence: Ophthalmosaurus lived all throughout the Jurassic period, 201.3 million to 136.4 million years ago.

Diet: Ophthalmosaurus was a carnivore, and their long snouts allowed them to catch squid and fish in the ocean. Adult Ophthalmosaurus were also theorized to cannibalize younger individuals.

Threats: As mentioned before, Ophthalmosaurus pups were at risk of being eaten by adults. But they also had to watch out for sharks like Hybodus, which also saw them as food. Adults would also ocassionally preyed upon by Hybodus, and would also make good meals for the dreaded Liopleurodon.

Size: Ophthalmosaurus was 20 feet long.

Attributes: Ophthalmosaurus' most important attribute was its large eyes, which helped it see in the dark depths of the ocean, and spot prey in the pitch black. They were also incredibly fast, being able to keep up with the fast prey they ate like squid and fish.

A pod of Ophthalmosaurus searching for food

Their snouts had many small sharp teeth that helped them hold on to their slippery catches, and made it easier to scarf them down. Ophthalmosaurus also gave birth to live young, as to avoid having to haul themselves up on the surface.

An Ophthalmosaurus pup investigates a jellyfish

Appearances in the Walking with... series

Walking with Dinosaurs

Episode 3-Cruel Sea

A group of Ophthalmosaurus pups serve as the main focus of the third episode of the series. A pregnant Ophthalmosaurus first appears getting a breath of air, before we are shown a massive pod of them, all swimming to the sunlit waters from deeper waters to give birth. One goes down a large trench, and they begin to explore the environment. One of the Ophthalmosaurus then leaps out of the water, similar to a dolphin, before diving back in and joining a second individual. Later, we see one Ophthalmosaurus swimming near the surface of the water, her fin and tail briefly being visible. We are then shown that the Ophthalmosaurus are starting to give birth, but due to their shape, they give live birth, and the babies must be born tail first or else they would drown. One female is shown expelling her pup, unaware of a silhouette lurking in the background. Once the pup exits the birth canal, he quickly darts to the surface and takes his first breath.

An Ophthalmosaurus pup gets a gulp of air

After breathing, the pup darts back into the water, already in danger. As it explores, an adult can be seen lurking in the background. The adult immediately attempts to eat the pup, but it escapes into the coral crags. This is the only place they are truly safe. The adult swims away and returns near the surface, where we see one mother struggling to give birth, being forced to stay near the surface to get air. The sounds begin to attract hungry Hybodus sharks, and as she breathes and continues to struggle, the sharks begin to move in. However, they would not get this meal, as a giant silhouette frightens them away, and as the female fights for air, a giant Liopleurodon emerges and grabs her, splitting her in half. The female's tail end sinks to the sea bed, where the sharks move in to scavenge the giant's scraps. After the attack, we are shown that the pups are staying within the caves that allow them to explore their home from a safe haven. A young male begins to investigate an ammonite, soon to learn that these strange creatures are too tough to eat. He then quickly returns to the safety of the caverns to rest. We then cut to two weeks later, where an Ophthalmosaurus is seen swimming through the coral when a shark arrives. The pup hides in the coral, but eventually he will have to go for air. He begins to leave, but the shark lunges, forcing him back into the coral. However, he must take the chance, and he darts out of the coral, outswimming his enemy and getting to the surface to breathe. Once he has gotten enough air, he retreats back to the coral to hide. Soon, night falls, and a group of adult Ophthalmosaurus are seen using their giant eyes to hunt squid. One spots a squid and chases it, catching it and eating it. Their snouts allow them to snap up and hold their prey.

An adult Ophthalmosaurus eating a squid

A month later, we see an Ophthalmosaurus getting air, and we are shown that the pups are beginning to hunt fish, and will soon be ready to leave their cave refuge. However, the sharks are still a problem, as a pup is seen hiding from a passing Hybodus. Next, we are shown that it has been four months since the pups have been birthed, and they are now ready for life in the open ocean. However, three are shown getting ready as the weather begins to change, and a massive tropical storm hits the area. Although many animals do not survive, most of the Ophthalmosaurus pups did survive, and are now free to move to the open ocean. It is then stated that the females will return someday carrying the next generation as we see the pups form a pod and swim off.

Chased by Sea Monsters

Episode 1-Dangerous Seas

Ophthalmosaurus only appears on the time map before the Ordivician and Triassic segments.

Episode 2-Into the Jaws of Death

Once again, Ophthalmosaurus briefly appears on the time map before the Eocene segment.