| Dactylosaurus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Physical description | |
| Lifespan | Unknown |
| Average Size | Estimated 60 cm |
| Average weight | Unknown |
| Diet | Carnivorous; likely fish |
| Conservational Status | |
| Status | Extinct |
| IUCN status | Fossil |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Sauropterygia |
| Family | Pachypleurosauridae |
| Genus | Dactylosaurus |
| Species | Dactylosaurus gracilis |
Dactylosaurus (meaning "finger reptile" or "finger lizard") is a genus of small nothosauroid marine reptiles. The genus consists of only one known species; Dactylosaurus gracilis, which appears to be similar to the slightly larger Anarosaurus pumilio.
D. gracilis is known from relatively poor fossil remains. The nasal bones of Dactylosaurus meet and are broadly structured. The upper temporal fenestra is large and kidney-shaped. There are 17 cervical vertebrae and the cervical ribs have anterior processes. The maxillae of Dactylosaurus extended broadly up the side of the snout.
To date Dactylosaurus is the smallest known fossil marine reptile; estimated to be roughly 60 centimetres in length.