Askeptosaurus

Taxobox
name = "Askeptosaurus"
fossil_range = Middle Triassic

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image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Askeptosaurus italicus"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo = Thalattosauria
familia = Askeptosauridae
genus = "Askeptosaurus"
subdivision_ranks= Species
subdivision ="A. italicus" Nopcsa, 1925 (type)

"Askeptosaurus" is an extinct genus of aquatic reptile related to the thalattosaurian group. It was about 2 m (6 ft 8 in) long. Their remains have been found in Italy. "Askeptosaurus" was a very thin, elongated creature that probably swam like an eel. It steered using its webbed feet. Judging from its long jaws, it was a fish eater. Paleontologists think "Askeptosaurus" hunted in deep waters, based on its large eyes (which would allow it to see better in dark water) and the protective bony ring around them (also seen in ichthyosaurs), which prevented them from getting squashed in by the immense water pressure at great depths.

External links

*The anatomy of "Askeptosaurus italicus" from the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio and the interrelationships of thalattosaurs (Reptilia, Diapsida) [http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nrc/cjes/2005/00000042/00000007/art00004]