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Proterogyrinus was an anthracosaur amphibian from the Carboniferous period. It was among one the top aquatic predators of its ecosystem, inhabiting freshwater bodies such as rivers and lakes.
Physical appearance and biology
Proterogyrinus was a slender amphibian. It had black with white stripes running down its spine. It had splayed out legs and five digits on each foot. It had small, needle-sharp teeth inside relatively large jaws. It had yellow eyes.
Behaviour and traits
Proterogyrinus was quite similar to its Devonian ancestor Hynerpeton (or rather, Ichthyostega). It had thin skin so it had to say close to water as the oxygen from the water would help its respiratory system function properly. However, it was allowed to stay out of water for longer intervals than its ancestor. It also had a flat tail designed to make it a powerful swimmer.
Unlike Hynerpeton, Proterogyrinus was the top predator of its time and its ecosystem. It fed on the invertebrates such as large arthropods and other animals (fish, reptiles, small synapsids, other amphibians) that it coexisted with and were around during the Carboniferous, such as the car-sized Arthropleura and the eagle-sized Meganeura. Proterogyrinus was also very aggressive, especially in groups. They would constantly screech at each other when engaging in conflicts which would frequently lead to fights.
In the event of a major forest fire (which were common during the Carboniferous), Proterogyrinus had the upper hand as it lived mostly in water and was adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, as the water would guard it from the flames, and they would also be able to seek refuge underwater by diving under water bodies for long periods of time. Also, as most of the terrestrial creatures would panic, they would take advantage of the opportunity and would hunt them. They even had the ability to jump out of water, so it could even hunt Meganeura as they scattered for safety in the skies above the waters.
In Walking with Monsters
102. Program 2
A group of Proterogyrinus was basking on the banks of the local lake as a homeless Mesothelae appeared. However, the vociferous amphibians scared off the spider.
Shortly after, an Arthropleura came to the lake and a Proterogyrinus confronted it. As the amphibian tried to attack the arthropod, the Arthropleura reared up. The amphibian then pushed it over onto a sharp rock. The impaled Arthropleura's carcass was then eaten.
When a storm approached, and as lots of Meganeura scattered above the lake, some Proterogyrinus jumped out of the water and caught and ate several of the dragonflies.
Gallery
Behind the scenes
List of appearances
Notes and references
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