Antajissa

Antajissa is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria, specifically within the family Polycotylidae. Fossils of antajissa have been discovered in the Late Cretaceous deposits of Madagascar. The genus was first described in 2003 based on a partial skeleton.

The most notable feature of antajissa is its relatively short neck compared to other plesiosaurs. This characteristic is typical of polycotylids, which are often described as having a "short-necked" plesiosaur morphology. Antajissa is estimated to have been a medium-sized marine reptile, with estimates for its length varying. Its skull possessed a relatively long snout with numerous teeth, suggesting a diet of fish or other small marine animals.

The discovery of antajissa contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of plesiosaurs during the Cretaceous period. Its presence in Madagascar highlights the wide geographic distribution of these marine reptiles and provides insights into the faunal composition of ancient oceanic environments. Further fossil discoveries may refine our understanding of antajissa's anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary relationships.