Eryops megacephalus Lower Permian Amphibian

Eryops was a common, primitive amphibian that lived in swamps, primarily during the earlier Permian. It was a fierce carnivor with stout body and spine, wide ribs, short, strong legs and tail, and a wide, elongated skull with many sharp teeth in strong jaws. The most common species E. megacephalus means "huge head, and, indeed, its two-foot long head with many sharp teeth in strong jaws was a formitable hunting weapon. At some five feet, Eryops was one of the largest land predators of its time. Eryops fossils, especially teeth and skull plates, are most prevalently found in Texas, New Mexoco.