Wakayama Soryu: The Blue Dragon of the Pacific

December 14, 2023

Once upon a time, precisely 72 million years ago, the Pacific seas witnessed the reign of a colossal marine predator – the “blue dragon.” Recently unveiled through research published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology, this apex predator belonged to the Late Cretaceous period and was a mosasaur, an extinct marine reptile.

Naming the Behemoth: Wakayama Soryu

Researchers, led by University of Cincinnati Associate Professor Takuya Konishi, bestowed the name “Wakayama Soryu” upon this prehistoric monster. The name translates to “Blue Dragon” and pays homage to Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture, the location where the fossil was discovered. The incredible find is documented in the Palaeontology journal.

Mind-Blowing Discovery

The mosasaur fossil was stumbled upon by co-author Akihiro Misaki in 2006 while searching for ammonite fossils in China. Wakayama Soryu’s fossil stands out as the most complete mosasaur skeleton ever found in Japan or the northwestern Pacific, offering researchers a rare and comprehensive glimpse into the creature’s anatomy.

Unique Features of the Blue Dragon

Described as an apex predator, Wakayama Soryu presented unique features that challenge easy classification. Its crocodile-like head, massive paddle-shaped flippers, and distinctively larger rear flippers than the front ones make it a fascinating subject for study. Researchers speculate on the functional aspects of these features, proposing that the front fins aided rapid maneuvering while the rear fins facilitated diving or surfacing.

Hydrodynamic Mysteries Unveiled

The researchers express curiosity about the hydrodynamic functions of the various surfaces on Wakayama Soryu. The purpose of each surface, whether for steering or propulsion, poses intriguing questions that challenge existing understandings of how mosasaurs navigated the waters. The study opens up new avenues for exploring the swimming mechanics of these ancient marine reptiles.

Binocular Vision and Lethal Hunting Skills

Wakayama Soryu, with its nearly binocular vision, emerges as a lethal hunter in the prehistoric seas. The apex predator’s dorsal fin, reminiscent of a great white shark, adds to its fearsome appearance. Surpassing five feet in length, this monstrous creature once dominated the ancient oceans.

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