Ancient amphibian found living in deep ocean waters
Scientists report that an ancient amphibian once lived and hunted on the seafloor in China.
Researchers examined two fossils of Gerrothorax maritimus from the late Triassic Period found in an ancient seabed. These creatures measured about 70 centimeters and were covered in protective armor made of bony plates that shielded their bodies effectively.
Chemical analysis showed strontium levels in the bones matched the Triassic ocean water rather than freshwater sources. This evidence proves the animal ate seafood and drank seawater while living far from any landmass nearby.
The species retained fish-like breathing strategies and hard plates to prevent water loss in salty conditions. Unlike modern amphibians that suffocate in saltwater, this creature adapted uniquely to survive deep underwater for millions of years.
Its upward lifting jaw allowed it to ambush small creatures on the ocean floor as a predator. Experts suggest other similar amphibians might still exist in ancient ocean environments ignored by paleontologists today according to Hart.
“This is the first time that that we have hard evidence that they were actually adapted for long-term life in the sea”