Eurhinocaulus

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Eurhinocaulus is an amphibian predator that lurks in most rivers of Ryl Madol. It often lies at the bottom, sometimes even half-buried in the sand, its head facing against the current, where it lies in wait for prey. Once an unsuspecting fish or amphibian swims above it, it only has to raise its head slightly and the “headwings” supported by skin-membranes already create uplift in the current, dragging the animal upwards towards its victim. Quick slashes and strikes with the swordfish-like snout then incapacitate the surprised prey.

The exact classification of Eurhinocaulus remains ambiguous. Its name is based on its similarity to Permian Diplocaulus, with which it shares the headwings. The general assumption is that it indeed is some type of lepospondyl anamniote from the diplocaulid group. However, this morphology has evolved separate times among different tetrapods, especially among temnospondyls like Gerrothorax. Close study of the animal for further answers has proven difficult, as it is prone to slash with its sawblade-nose at any researcher trying to pick it up.