Surotanus

Surotanus is a genus of extinct marine reptiles belonging to the clade Thalattosauria, which thrived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 228 to 201 million years ago. These reptiles were semi-aquatic predators, adapted to life in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. The name *Surotanus* derives from the Surovaty, a mythical dragon-like creature from Malagasy folklore, and the Greek word *tanus*, meaning "stretched," referencing the elongated body shape of these animals.

Fossil remains of *Surotanus* have been discovered primarily in Madagascar, particularly in the Maevarano Formation, dating back to the Carnian stage of the Late Triassic. The most well-known species within the genus is *Surotanus magnidentatus*, characterized by its large, robust skull and prominent teeth, which suggest a diet consisting of fish and possibly other marine vertebrates. The skull of *Surotanus* is notably elongated, with a streamlined body built for efficient swimming, much like modern-day dolphins or ichthyosaurs.

Thalattosaurs like *Surotanus* were among the dominant marine predators of their time, coexisting with other Triassic marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and nothosaurs. Their fossil record provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of Late Triassic ecosystems, particularly the transition from a predominantly terrestrial Triassic fauna to the more diverse marine communities of the Jurassic period. The discovery of *Surotanus* has contributed to a better understanding of the evolutionary adaptations that allowed marine reptiles to thrive in open ocean environments.