trigoniid

Trigoniids are a group of extinct marine reptiles that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 to 200 million years ago. They are known for their distinctive triangular shape, which is reflected in their name, derived from the Greek words "trigonios" meaning "triangular" and "eidē" meaning "form." Trigoniids are part of the larger group of marine reptiles known as ichthyosaurs, which are more closely related to mammals than to other reptiles.

The most well-known trigoniid is Trigoniasuchus, which is known from several well-preserved fossils found in Germany. Trigoniasuchus had a long, slender body with a triangular cross-section, which gave it a distinctive appearance. Its skull was relatively small and its eyes were positioned on the sides of its head, suggesting it was a deep-diving predator. Trigoniasuchus is estimated to have been about 10 meters long.

Other trigoniids include Trigoniasuchus, which is known from fossils found in Germany and Switzerland, and Trigoniasuchus, which is known from fossils found in Germany and France. These reptiles are believed to have been active predators, using their sharp teeth to catch and eat fish and other marine animals.

Trigoniids are an important part of the history of marine life, providing valuable insights into the evolution of marine reptiles and their role in the Triassic ecosystem. Their distinctive shape and adaptations make them a fascinating subject for study, and ongoing research continues to shed light on their biology and behavior.