Coloring Page: Ichthyosaurus Leaping Like a Dolphin

Ichthyosaurus that looks like a big-eyed dolphin jumping out of a wave – printable coloring page

Splash! Just like a dolphin, this Ichthyosaurus leaps out of a wave with big, bright eyes. Our Ichthyosaurus coloring page shows a marine reptile often called a “fish lizard.” Grab the free printable and color this prehistoric jumper!

ADVERTISEMENT

Why Kids Love This Leaping Ichthyosaurus

A leap out of the water is full of joy and energy – just like dolphins at sea. The big eyes make Ichthyosaurus especially cute. The wave adds motion to the page and invites lots of blues. Along the way, kids discover that very different animals can end up looking alike.

🖨️ Step by Step: How to Print It Best

1
Open the image
Click “Print” on the right, or download the image or PDF.
2
Choose portrait
Letter or A4 in portrait, scaling set to “Fit to page” – the dinosaur fits the sheet perfectly.
3
Pick your paper
Regular printer paper is fine for colored pencils; for paint, use thicker paper (65–110 lb).
4
Color & display
Grab your crayons and go – then give the finished masterpiece a spot on the fridge!

Fun Facts About Ichthyosaurus

Ichthyosaurus was an ichthyosaur, or “fish lizard” – a marine reptile, so not a dinosaur and not a fish either! It looked amazingly like a dolphin, even though they aren’t related: both simply became perfect swimmers. It lived in the early Jurassic period, about 200 to 190 million years ago. Ichthyosaurs often had huge eyes that helped them see in dark water. They gave birth to live babies right in the water. Some of the most famous ichthyosaur fossils come from Holzmaden in Germany.

Fun Ideas for Your Finished Ichthyosaurus

Compare Ichthyosaurus with a photo of a dolphin: what’s the same, and what’s different? Add glitter to the splashing wave. Or talk about how two unrelated animals can end up looking so much alike.

Color Ideas for Your Ichthyosaurus

Dolphin colors for a prehistoric jumper:

🐬 Dolphin gray
A blue-gray back with a light belly.
👀 Bright eyes
Big yellow or light brown eyes with a white sparkle.
🌊 Splash wave
Teal and white for the splashing wave.
☀️ Sunny sky
A yellow sky above the sea.
💡 Coloring Tip: Leave a small white circle in each big eye – it makes the look come alive.

Great Times for This Ichthyosaurus Coloring Page

A prehistoric dolphin for lots of occasions:

🐬
Dolphin fans
For everyone who loves dolphins.
🐠
Aquarium visit
Get ready to see real sea life.
🏖️
Beach vacation
A page for the beach.
🔍
Science quiz
Fish, dolphin, or marine reptile?

Ichthyosaurus Facts at a Glance

The fish lizard:

🚫
Not a dinosaur

It was a marine reptile.

🐬
Like a dolphin

But not related.

👀
Huge eyes

Great for dark water.

👶
Live birth

Babies born in the water.

More Flying & Marine Reptile Coloring Pages

From giants of prehistoric seas to gliders of the skies – our collection has more flying and marine reptiles, none of which were actually dinosaurs.

Your Benefits at PureSketchy:

  • Full of energy: A leap out of the wave.
  • Big eyes: Extra cute.
  • Free to print: Download and print in seconds.
  • Cool science: Lookalikes that aren’t related.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What age is this coloring page for?
This page works well for kids ages 5 to 8. The body and wave are big areas, and the eyes are a fun detail.

Is the download free?
Yes, all coloring pages on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal use, preschools, and schools.

What should we color it with?
Colored pencils are great for the body and eyes, and markers or watercolors for the wave.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Ichthyosaurus.