Paracyclotosaurus



Paracyclotosaurus were giant temnospondyl amphibians with a flat body, similar to today's salamander – but much larger. Although they could live on dry land, Paracyclotosaurus probably spent most of its time in water. A fish-eater, it might have played a waiting game, lying just below the surface of the water. When an unsuspecting fish came within reach of its jaws, Paracyclotosaurus lifted its massive head, its mouth opened wide and the fish was sucked inside. Modern predators, such as crocodiles, use this technique to catch some of their prey. Paracyclotosaurus was 6–8 feet long, and it lived in the Triassic period, about 235 million years ago (Middle Triassic). Paracyclotosaurus fossils were found in Sydney, Australia, India, and South Africa; all these areas once were part of the continent of Gondwana.

The species P. davidi is only known from one complete specimen recovered from Australia. The creature was probably killed by a tree crushing the back of its head.