Ichthyosaur

The Ichthyosaur is a two-part fossil that can be donated to the museum. It was introduced in and returned in. It is superseded by Ophthalmosaurus in.

In City Folk
"The Ichthyosaur appeared during the first days of the dinosaurs. It didn't live on land like other dinosaurs, but rather in the sea...even though it was a reptile, wot! It's particular charm lies in its dolphinlike frame, not to mention its large eyes. Indeed, those large eyes granted such fine eyesight, it could see easily in the dark! Like an owl, hoo!"

In New Leaf
"Though they bear a striking visual similarity to dolphins, ichthyosaurs were reptiles rather than mammals. Interestingly, adult specimens have been found with juvenile bones inside their abdominal cavities. This suggests that rather than laying eggs, ichthyosaurs gave birth to live young in the water."

Further Information
The Ichthyosaurus is a branch of the icthyosuar family - smaller than most other icthyosaurs, it lived in the sea and ate squid. The first icthyosaurus was discovered by 12-year-old Mary Anning, who also discovered the Plesiosaur.