Paleontologists in Germany have identified a new species of ancient marine reptile from the Posidonia Shale fossil beds. The fossil, nearly 183 million years old, reveals new insights into Jurassic ocean life. Though found in 1978 in Holzmaden, the species, Plesionectes longicollum, was only recently identified after detailed analysis.

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• New marine reptile species Plesionectes longicollum identified from 183-million-year-old German fossil.
• Found in Holzmaden’s Posidonia Shale, known for exceptional fossil preservation.
• Fossil unearthed in 1978 but studied in detail only recently.
• Nearly complete skeleton with fossilized soft tissue preserved.
• Unique skeletal traits distinguish it from other known plesiosaurs.
• Considered the oldest plesiosaur discovered in the Holzmaden area.
• Belongs to plesiosauroids, long-necked marine reptiles of the Jurassic era.
• Individual was immature, but traits distinct enough for new genus/species.
• Discovery adds to understanding of early Jurassic marine ecosystems.
• Fossil housed in Stuttgart’s Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde.