Ophthalmosaurus discus

Ophthalmosaurus was a marine reptile that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 160 to 145 million years ago, and is considered one of the most well-adapted ichthyosaurs, a group of marine reptiles that resembled modern dolphins. This genus was characterized by its large, crescent-shaped eyes, which were among the largest relative to body size of any known animal, possibly reaching up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. These enormous eyes likely provided Ophthalmosaurus with excellent vision in the dimly lit waters of the deep ocean, helping it hunt in conditions where light penetration was limited.

Reaching lengths of up to 4.5 meters (15 feet), Ophthalmosaurus had a streamlined body with a long, pointed snout and a tail adapted for fast swimming. Its limbs were modified into flippers, making it highly maneuverable in the water. The body structure, along with its large eyes, suggests that Ophthalmosaurus was a highly specialized predator that likely hunted small fish and squid. Fossil evidence indicates that it was an adept swimmer, capable of rapid bursts of speed to chase down its prey in the open ocean.

The exceptional size of Ophthalmosaurus' eyes has led some scientists to speculate that it may have hunted in deep or murky waters, where visibility would have been limited, but the size of its eyes allowed it to detect prey even in low-light environments. Some evidence also suggests that it might have been an ambush predator, using its speed and agility to catch fish by surprise. Fossils of Ophthalmosaurus have been found in various parts of the world, including Europe and North America, indicating that it was a successful and widespread genus during the Jurassic period, filling the ecological role of a top marine predator in the ancient seas