Heliartiklites

Heliartiklites are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. They are known from fossil remains found in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. Heliartiklites are characterized by their long, slender bodies, flippers, and a long, whip-like tail, which they likely used for swimming and maneuvering in the water. Their skulls are relatively small and their teeth are simple and conical, suggesting they fed on small prey such as fish and invertebrates. Heliartiklites are believed to have been semi-aquatic, spending most of their time in the water but occasionally coming onto land to lay their eggs. They are considered to be one of the earliest known marine reptiles, and their fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of marine ecosystems during the Triassic period.