Observations on the postcranial morphology, ontogeny and palaeobiology of Sclerocephalus haeuseri (Amphibia: Actinodontidae) from the Lower Permian of Southwest Germany

Lohmann, U. & Sachs, S. (2001) Observations on the postcranial morphology, ontogeny and palaeobiology of Sclerocephalus haeuseri (Amphibia: Actinodontidae) from the Lower Permian of Southwest Germany. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 46(2): 771-781.

The temnospondyl amphibian Sclerocephalus is described in four ontogenetic stages: larval, juvenile, adult and late adult. In particular the postcranial anatomy was observed. Some specimens preserve stomach contents, consisting of paramblypterid fishes and small amphibians (Micromelerpeton, Apateon). In one specimen, the remains of a small Sclerocephalus were found. Larval and juvenile individuals probably lived in a different habitat than adult and late adult ones. In the juvenile, adult and late adult stages, Sclerocephalus was the top predator in its environment.

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