Castorocauda
Name meaning:
Beaver tail
Period of life:
164-159 mya
Period:
Habitat:
Lakes and marshes
Taxonomy:
Mammals
Countries:
What does the name "Bobrokhvost" mean? "Bobrokhvost" is the Russian word for "beaver tail".
Castorocauda was a synapsid resembling a modern otter and beaver that lived about 164 million years ago. This furry creature likely led a semi-aquatic lifestyle. On land, the half-meter long animal did not feel very comfortable and moved rather clumsily. Its adaptation to swimming is evidenced by its webbed feet and wide, flat beaver-like tail, up to 20 cm long. Its fur was similar to that of another semi-aquatic animal, the otter. Judging by the shape and structure of its teeth, the creature specialized in catching fish and aquatic invertebrates.
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