Eryops | 3D Dinopedia

Eryops

Period of life:

299–278 mya

Period:

Carboniferous period

Habitat:

Floodplains

Taxonomy:

Amphibians

Height:

0.5 m

Countries:

Carboniferous period Eryops | 3D Dinopedia

Eryops (299–278 mya)

Meaning of the name: Stretched face

Eryops is a genus of ancient amphibians that lived in the territory of present-day United States during the late Carboniferous and early Permian periods. It was one of the largest predators of its time, growing up to three meters long, with adult individuals weighing around 200 kg. The skull of this ancient amphibian was disproportionately large and wide, measuring about 60 cm in length. The mouth was filled with numerous sharp, curved teeth. On the palate, there were three pairs of backward-curving fangs and numerous backward-directed bony projections.

This structure helped catch slippery prey, preventing it from escaping the mouth. Eryops inhabited lowlands, in ponds, streams, and rivers, and nearby areas. The arrangement and shape of their teeth suggest that they primarily fed on large fish and aquatic tetrapods. The body of Eryops was relatively rigid, and the tail was thick, making them poor swimmers, so they spent most of their time on land.

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