Baisesaurus robustus is the first such fossil to be found in Guangxi.
"Compared with other early ichthyosauromorphs, this one from Guangxi had longer and stronger forelimb bones, suggesting that it may have had stronger swimming ability, perhaps for longer distances," Han said.
"As the largest Early Triassic ichthyosauromorph found in China, it may have played a role as an advanced predator in the ocean at that time."