Cetiosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Sauropodomorpha · Infraorder: Sauropoda · Family: Cetiosauridae
Found in England, this was the first of the sauropod suborder to be named and described. Originally thought to bea huge crocodile by Sir Richard Owen, because of the whale-like back vertabrae, this dinosaur is typical of the Cetiosauridae family of primitive sauropods with moderately long forelimbs compared to the hindlimbs. Owen, who invented the term "dinosaur", believed Cetiosaurus was an aquatic animal and hence the name Whale Lizard.
Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Cetiosaurus mean?
The name Cetiosaurus means “Whale Lizard”. It is pronounced SEE-tee-uh-SAW-rus.
Was Cetiosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Cetiosaurus was a herbivore.
How big was Cetiosaurus?
Cetiosaurus was about 50 feet (15.2 meters) long, around 16 feet (4.9 meters) tall, weighing up to 19,850 lbs (9,000 kg).
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