Steerinidae
The Steerinidae is a family of extinct marine reptiles that belonged to the order Sauropterygia, which also includes plesiosaurs and nothosaurs. These reptiles are notable for their elongated necks and streamlined bodies, which suggest a highly specialized aquatic lifestyle. Fossils of Steerinidae are primarily found in marine deposits from the Late Triassic period, dating approximately from 228 to 201 million years ago, making them contemporaries of early dinosaurs.
Steerinidae is distinguished by its relatively short neck compared to other sauropterygians, such as plesiosaurs, and
The most well-known genus within the family is *Stegopteryx*, which has been extensively studied due to its
Steerinidae is often considered a transitional group between earlier nothosaurs and later plesiosaurs, reflecting evolutionary adaptations