SilesianTriassic

Eosauropterygia indet. cf Nothosaurus

Middle Triassic, Lower Muschelkalk (Anisian), Gogolin Beds

A nearly complete cervical vertebra (centrum and neural arch preserved) of an indeterminate Sauropterygia from the Lower Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic, Anisian) of Upper Silesia.

The specimen consists of a complete, well-preserved centrum and a neural arch partially damaged by erosion.

The centrum is approximately 13 mm long, with articular surfaces about 8 mm in diameter. It is platycoelous/weakly amphicoelous. It is slightly constricted medially, producing a weak hourglass-like outline. Distinct lateral processes are present, and the ventral surface bears a low but clear keel.

These features — including the elongate centrum and ventral keel — are consistent with cervical vertebrae of Sauropterygia.

The preserved neural arch retains both prezygapophyses and a low, mostly intact neural spine. Posteriorly, only the right postzygapophysis is preserved. The preserved neural arch measures approximately 16 mm in length and width.

In lateral view, the neurocentral suture is clearly visible, potentially indicating incomplete neurocentral fusion.

Isolated vertebrae are rarely diagnostic enough to determine species or even genus. In this case, considering dimensions, context, and “statistics”, I went a bit crazy and identified it as likely Nothosaurus 😉