Rare “3-level” fossil in Australia shows pliosaur attacked ichthyosaur that ate a pterosaur

Queensland: Scientists have uncovered a rare Cretaceous fossil showing an entire marine food chain in one specimen.

The 21-foot ichthyosaur skeleton was found to contain the jawbone of a pterosaur in its stomach. The ichthyosaur itself bore bite marks from a much larger predator — likely a pliosaur such as Kronosaurus queenslandicus.

Discovered in 2019 by recreational fossil hunters and later excavated by Kronosaurus Korner museum, the fossil was nicknamed “Bob” before CT scans revealed what was inside.

Researchers call it “one of the clearest examples ever” of a three-tier predator interaction, and the first confirmed evidence that ichthyosaurs ate pterosaurs.

Lead author Dr. Matt White of the University of New England said it offers “an unprecedented snapshot” of life in Australia’s ancient seas.