"Differs from all other long-necked plesiosaurs in having a more elongated, evenly tapered snout with a much reduced tooth count and massive tooth crowns. Among the Liassic genera closest to Archaeonectrus, but differs in having a much more massive muzzle and much thicker teeth"

in honour of naturalist and filmmaker David Attenborough, whose childhood fascination with Liassic plesiosaurs sparked a brilliant career in scientific journalism. Plus "saurus", Latin "lizard".