Xenostrobus

Xenostrobus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the family Placodontia. These marine reptiles lived during the Middle Triassic period, approximately 247 to 237 million years ago. They were primarily found in what is now Europe, with fossils discovered in Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

Common Names

Xenostrobus does not have any common names.

Characteristics

Members of the genus Xenostrobus were characterized by their unique adaptations for a marine lifestyle. They possessed a streamlined body shape, with short, powerful limbs that were likely used for paddling. Unlike other placodonts, Xenostrobus lacked the typical crushing dentition, instead having a more generalized tooth arrangement. This suggests that Xenostrobus may have had a different diet than its close relatives.

Environments

Xenostrobus inhabited marine environments, likely inhabiting shallow coastal waters and reefs. Their fossils have been found alongside a diverse array of other marine organisms, including fish, cephalopods, and other reptiles.

References

For more information on Xenostrobus, please refer to these reliable sources: