Microbrachis

Last updated

Microbrachis
Temporal range: Late Carboniferous
307.1–302  Ma
Microbrachis in Vienna.jpg
Fossil of Microbrachis pelikani
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Teleostomi
Clade: Tetrapoda
Clade: Microsauria
Clade: Recumbirostra
Family: Microbrachidae
Fritsch, 1883
Genus: Microbrachis
Fric, 1875
Type species
Microbrachis pelikani
Fric, 1875

Microbrachis is an extinct genus of microsaurian tetrapod from the Carboniferous Kladno Formation of the Czech Republic.

Contents

Description

Life restoration of Microbrachis pelikani Microbrachis pelikani.png
Life restoration of Microbrachis pelikani

Microbrachis was an elongated, salamander-like creature, about 15 centimetres (6 in) long, with over 40 vertebrae instead of the average 15–26 in its living relatives. It had minute limbs, and probably swam using fish-like lateral body movements. Microbrachis probably fed on fresh water plankton such as shrimp. Microbrachis was pedomorphic, retaining its larval gills in adulthood. Similar traits are found in the extant axolotl. [1]

References

  1. Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 55. ISBN   1-84028-152-9.

Further reading