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371 / Paleozoic
Rhinesuchus
Rhinesuchus whaitsi
This broad-headed aquatic predator was common in southern Late Permian waters.
- Time range
- About 259–252 million years ago
- Final stage
- End of the Permian
- Geographic range
- Rivers and ponds · Karoo Basin, South Africa
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Rhinesuchus?
Rhinesuchus (Rhinesuchus whaitsi) was an extinct organism known from About 259–252 million years ago, with a range in Rivers and ponds · Karoo Basin, South Africa.
Life and ecology
Rhinesuchus waited on the bottom for fish and animals near the bank.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Rhinesuchus disappear?
Anoxia, drying and food-web collapse during the end-Permian extinction ended its lineage.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Rhinesuchus?
Skulls and skeletons across growth stages document ossification and pre-extinction populations.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS