"Monstrous 'Blue Dragon': Unveiling Japan's Ancient Ocean Predator"

University of Cincinnati researchers have classified a new species of mosasaur, an ancient apex predator, based on fossils discovered in Japan. The specimen, named "Wakayama Soryu" or "Wakayama Blue Dragon," is the most complete skeleton of a mosasaur found in Japan or the northwestern Pacific. The researchers identified it as Megapterygius wakayamaensis, noting its unique features such as large rear flippers and a dorsal fin. This discovery challenges experts' understanding of how these prehistoric reptiles swam.