Archegosaur

Here is an archegosaur, a swimming amphibian from the Early Permian. Also affectionately called “Happy Puppy,” this specimen is exceedingly rare.Body armor helped the archegosaur resist the fangs of other amphibians and the jaws of big coal-swamp fish. Archegosaurs were at home on land or in the water. The sinuous body and tail were excellent for swimming while short, strong legs were effective for walking on land. Archegosaurs were grab-and-gulp predators. Jaws could open wide and snap down on small prey. Many sharp fangs in the jaws and roof of the mouth would impale the target, which was swallowed hole.