Fanus

Fanus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago. These marine lizards were characterized by their long, slender bodies and small, toothless jaws. Fossil evidence suggests that Fanus had a distinctive pair of bony ridges on its snout, known as a premaxillary ridge.

Fanus fossils have been found in Europe, specifically in the southeastern part of the continent. The genus was first discovered in France and later found in other European countries such as Spain and Hungary. The name Fanus is derived from the Latin word "fanas," which means ghost or specter, likely due to the creature's elongated and wispy appearance.

Phylogenetic analysis has placed Fanus within the group Sauropterygia, which includes marine reptiles such as placodonts and plesiosaurs. However, the exact relationships between Fanus and other Sauropterygia are still not well understood and require further research.

Physical characteristics of Fanus include its bipedal locomotion, digitigrade legs, and a reduced pelvis. The species also had a highly specialized feeding mechanism, with a pair of long, thin teeth that were likely used to catch small marine animals. Fossil evidence suggests that Fanus had a relatively short lifespan for its size and was found in ecosystems with limited marine resources.