Gerrothorax

The Gerrothorax was an extinct amphibian that lived in the Triassic period, about 210 to 205 million years ago.

It had a flattened body and a skull with angular protrusions on the sides.

It probably hid under sand or mud on the bottom of rivers, lakes, and brackish waters, scanning for prey with its large, upward-facing eyes.

It had sharp teeth and large fangs in its throat to catch and hold slippery fish.

It also had three pairs of external gills that it used to breathe underwater.

The Gerrothorax was pedomorphic, meaning that it retained its larval features as an adult.

This is also seen in some modern amphibians, such as the mudpuppy, the axolotl, and the olm.

The Gerrothorax had a unique way of feeding: it lifted its head rather than dropping its jaw, which has been compared to how a toilet seat opens.

The Gerrothorax had no living descendants.

It went extinct along with many other species during the mass extinction at the end of the Triassic period.

Fossils of Gerrothorax have been found in Greenland, Germany, Poland, Sweden, and possibly Thailand.

This suggests that it was a successful and widespread animal.

Gerrothorax was a creature of the past,
A temnospondyl that did not last.
It lived in the Triassic, long ago,
In Greenland, Germany, Sweden, and maybe Thailand too.

It had a body that was very flat,
And a skull with angles like a hat.
It hid under sand or mud on the bottom,
Waiting for prey with eyes on the top.

It had a bite that was quite odd,
It lifted its head like a toilet lid.
It had sharp teeth and gill arches with denticles,
To catch and hold slippery fish and tentacles.

It kept its gills throughout its life,
Like some salamanders that are still alive.
But unlike them, it had internal gills like fish,
Protected by a skin fold from any harm or risk.

Gerrothorax was a unique amphibian,
With a wicker chest as its name's meaning.
But it went extinct at the end of Triassic,
Along with many other species that were fantastic.