A new creature has arrived in 3D Dinopedia: Placodus, an impressive marine reptile from the Middle Triassic, about 240 million years ago. Heavy-bodied and slow-moving, it stayed close to the seafloor thanks to thickened ribs, dense gastralia, and a row of bony knobs along its spine. Its specialized dentition featured chisel-like front teeth for prying shells and broad, flat crushing teeth deeper in the jaws—perfect tools for accessing hard-shelled prey.

Placodus represents an early stage of reptilian adaptation to marine environments. Its anatomy illustrates the evolutionary transition from land-dwelling ancestors to specialized marine foragers. Studying Placodus and related placodonts helps scientists understand how early reptiles developed the diverse forms of armored marine animals that flourished throughout the Triassic.