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237-Million-Year-Old Marine Amphibian Discovered in Guizhou Fossils

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 8:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Chinese researchers led by Lipin Diao announced the discovery of Gerrothorax maritimus, a marine amphibian, in Guizhou Province.
The two nearly complete fossils date to 237 million years ago, placing the species in the Late Triassic.
Strontium isotope analysis matched ancient seawater, showing the animals grew up drinking seawater.
The fossils were found at least 30 km from any Triassic islands, indicating the species lived in fully marine environments.

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Story summary

Chinese researchers led by Lipin Diao announced the discovery of Gerrothorax maritimus, a marine amphibian, in Guizhou Province.
The two nearly complete fossils date to 237 million years ago, placing the species in the Late Triassic.
Strontium isotope analysis matched ancient seawater, showing the animals grew up drinking seawater.
The fossils were found at least 30 km from any Triassic islands, indicating the species lived in fully marine environments.