Styxosaurus snowii

Styxosaurus was another formidable marine reptile from the Late Cretaceous period, closely related to Elasmosaurus and part of the Plesiosauria group. Characterized by its long neck—though not quite as extreme as its cousin—it still had an impressive length, with some species reaching up to 12 meters in total body length. Styxosaurus had a relatively smaller head compared to its body, with sharp, pointed teeth that were perfect for catching fish and squid, its primary diet. Its long, powerful flippers were adapted for agile swimming, allowing it to move swiftly through the water, and it likely used its neck to maneuver and strike at prey, possibly in a similar hunting technique to Elasmosaurus, though it may have been more suited for quick, sudden lunges rather than sweeping motions. What sets Styxosaurus apart from some other plesiosaurs is its relatively shorter neck in comparison, which gave it slightly more stability in the water and may have allowed it to dive deeper or navigate different environments. Fossil evidence shows that Styxosaurus inhabited shallow seas, and although it was an apex predator in its own right, it likely had to compete with other marine reptiles like mosasaurs and sharks for food. Like other plesiosaurs, Styxosaurus was well-adapted to life in the water, with a streamlined body and a tail that helped with balance and propulsion.