Ichthyosaurus conybeari

Part of the ANCIENT WATERS Exhibit

Early Jurassic Period, approx. 200-190 million years ago

1:1 Scale Skull Replica

SPECIMEN PROFILE

Ichthyosaurus conybeari was a dolphin-like marine reptile that inhabited the warm, shallow seas covering much of Early Jurassic Europe. As one of the earlier and more refined ichthyosaur forms, it represents a highly efficient adaptation to fully aquatic life among reptiles.

Its body was streamlined and torpedo-shaped, with a powerful tail fin used for propulsion and paddle-like limbs adapted into rigid flippers for steering. Large eyes provided enhanced vision in low-light underwater conditions, suggesting an active predatory lifestyle focused on fast-moving marine prey such as fish and cephalopods. Unlike earlier marine reptiles, Ichthyosaurus was fully adapted to life in open water and likely gave live birth, eliminating the need to return to land.

COLLECTOR & CURATOR NOTE

A highly streamlined Early Jurassic marine reptile—its dolphin-like form and advanced aquatic adaptations represent one of the earliest peaks of fully pelagic reptile evolution.

CONSTRUCTION & DISPLAY

Scale

• 1:1, approx. 11.8 in or 30 cm

Fossil Finishes

• Aged Bone: A weathered bone-white aesthetic, evoking exposed skeletal remains and museum restorations.

• Canyon: Warm earth tones and terracotta hues, inspired by fossil beds such as Picketwire and Mill Canyon.

• Fossilized: Deep browns and near-black coloration, replicating the mineral-rich preservation seen in authentic fossil specimens.

Specimen Format

• Unmounted study specimen: A standalone skull, ideal for shelves, cases, or custom display setups.

• Desktop-mounted display specimen: Presented on a handmade desktop stand, crafted from wood with brass furnishings and a custom specimen placard — designed to elevate the specimen as a true exhibit piece.

Medium

• Hand-painted resin

Cancellations:

• Cancellations must be requested within 48 hours of order placement.

• Orders that have already shipped cannot be cancelled. Once the item has been delivered, you may request a return if it meets our return eligibility requirements.

Returns & Exchanges:

• To initiate a return, contact us with your order number within 30 days of receiving your order. Most items, including Made to Order products, may be returned if they meet our return eligibility requirements.

  • Personalized or custom items are not be eligible for return.

• We do not offer direct exchanges. If you would like a different item, please return the original item (if eligible) and place a new order.

  
  

Damages:

• If your order arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and photographs of:

  • The damaged item

  • The shipping box

  • The shipping label

  • The packing materials

• We recommend retaining all original packaging until your order has been inspected and accepted.

For complete details, eligibility requirements, timelines, and exceptions, please read our FULL Shipping and Returns Policy.

This listing is a Made to Order item. Each replica is individually produced, textured, and hand-finished after your order is placed, rather than being pulled from existing inventory.

Current Production Time:

• Estimated Lead Time: __ Weeks

• This item is individually produced after purchase. Production typically requires 2–6 weeks, depending on current studio workload.

General Shipping Policy:

• Every order is carefully inspected and securely packaged to help ensure it arrives safely and ready for display.

Assembly

• Some replicas may arrive partially disassembled to ensure safe transit. Minimal assembly may be required, and clear instructions are included where applicable.

For complete shipping information, delivery estimates, international shipping details, and policies, please read our FULL Shipping and Returns Policy.