International scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in China, unearthing a 240-million-year-old fossil dating back to the Triassic period. The fossil belongs to an aquatic reptile named Dinocephalosaurus orientalis, which measures a striking 16 feet in length and features a unusually long neck consisting of 32 separate vertebrae.

This remarkable find, described by one scientist as resembling a "long and snake-like, mythical Chinese dragon," was announced by the National Museums of Scotland. The fossil was found in the Guizhou Province of southern China and impressively presents a snake-like appearance with flippers.

Dinocephalosaurus orientalis was initially identified in 2003 from its skull, but the recent discovery offers a more complete depiction of this bizarre creature. This unique specimen sheds light on the mysterious world of the Triassic era, capturing the imaginations of scientists and enthusiasts worldwide.

The study of this fossil has allowed scientists to gain insight into the lifestyle of Dinocephalosaurus orientalis. It is believed that these creatures inhabited water environments and did not need to venture onto land to lay eggs. The specimen also revealed the presence of remains of at least four fish inside its abdomen.

A collaborative effort involving researchers from the U.S., U.K., China, and Europe has been ongoing for a decade, leading to the publication of the findings in the Cambridge University Press. Li Chun, a professor from the Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Palaeoanthropology, highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating that Dinocephalosaurus stands out as one of the most remarkable finds in the Triassic of Guizhou Province.