Shonisaurus is an ichthyosaur from the late Triassic period and is notable for its incredible size – it is one of the largest marine reptiles in history, growing up to 15m in length and nearly 30 tons in weight. This genus has a slim body and a long snout, and is a relatively slow swimmer despite having large flippers. While a juvenile Shonisaurus displays small teeth, these grow out by the time the genus reaches adulthood.
Discovery
Named after the location of its discovery – the Shoshone Mountains in Nevada, USA – the first Shonisaurus remains were unearthed in 1920. The genus wasn’t properly investigated until much later, though – respected paleontologists Charles Camp and Samuel Welles began excavating the site in 1954, finding the remains of 37 large specimens through the late 1950s and 1960s. The genus was formally named in 1976, a full 56 years after it was first discovered.
Paleoecology
Shonisaurus lived around 225-240 million years ago, swimming in deep oceans that were more suited to its large size than shallower waters. Its lack of teeth meant that it fed on soft-bodied prey such as squid and soft fish, eating them in huge quantities and often swallowing them whole.
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Cohabitation Preferences
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Behaviors are scripted in game files but are not guaranteed to happen. Dominance, territory, and traits determine whether they would actually fight.