anioneina

Anioneina is an extinct genus of labyrinthodont amphibians that lived during the late Permian period, approximately 260 to 253 million years ago. Fossils attributed to the genus have been uncovered in the Permian strata of the Opole-Zgorzelec region in southwestern Poland, suggesting a broad distribution across what is now Central Europe. The genus is characterized by a robust skull with deep temporal openings, a feature that distinguishes it from the closely related genus Paraplitus. Anioneina also possesses a distinctive dental pattern, featuring a series of closely spaced, laterally compressed conical teeth, which implies a carnivorous diet primarily consisting of smaller aquatic organisms.

The holotype specimen (KOL-Perm-2) was collected in 1987 by the Polish Geological Institute and described in 1992 by Dr. Katarzyna Wójcik. The species epithet, anioneina, derives from the Greek words ‘anion’ (negative ion) and ‘eina’ (life), reflecting the inherent contrast between the organism’s ancient, negative existence and its life cycle within ancient aquatic ecosystems. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses place Anioneina within the family Paludicellidae, which includes several other early amphibians that show adaptation to both aquatic and semi‑aquatic habitats.

Current research focuses on the functional morphology of Anioneina's limb joints to infer locomotion strategies. Comparative studies with extant salamanders have provided insights into the transition from fully aquatic to amphibious lifestyles during the late Permian. The genus remains significant in paleontological discussions regarding the diversification and extinction patterns of early amphibians prior to the Permian–Triassic extinction event.