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Description
My next submission for s’ Lost World Spec Challenge, the Ichthyosphenodon (Lacusotriclops summerleensis) is a highly derived sphenodont that has taken a niche similar to basilisks and Hydrosaurus. Found throughout the wetlands, forests and waterways of Maple-White Land, with the main population concentrated around the tepuis’ central lake, it hunts small vertebrates on land and dives to catch fish and small aquatic prey in the shallow waters. To allow for this, Ichthyosphenodons have evolved several unique traits, such as an elongated snout to allow easier grip of prey, and a paddle-like fin on its’ tail for propulsion as well as display. These traits allow Ichthyosphenodons to appear similar to young ichthyosaurs when submerged. Like its’ New Zealand cousin the tuatara, the Ichthyosphenodon has a large parietal eye, which allows it to detect changes in light intensity both in and out of water.

I wanted to do at least one take on a creature from the actual novel, so here’s my answer to the bizarre three-eyed ichthyosaur. Plus a ‘lost world’ needs some ancient animal lineages, and a late-surviving sphenodont outside of New Zealand seems like a good fit.

Description
My next submission for s’ Lost World Spec Challenge, the Ichthyosphenodon (Lacusotriclops summerleensis) is a highly derived sphenodont that has taken a niche similar to basilisks and Hydrosaurus. Found throughout the wetlands, forests and waterways of Maple-White Land, with the main population concentrated around the tepuis’ central lake, it hunts small vertebrates on land and dives to catch fish and small aquatic prey in the shallow waters. To allow for this, Ichthyosphenodons have evolved several unique traits, such as an elongated snout to allow easier grip of prey, and a paddle-like fin on its’ tail for propulsion as well as display. These traits allow Ichthyosphenodons to appear similar to young ichthyosaurs when submerged. Like its’ New Zealand cousin the tuatara, the Ichthyosphenodon has a large parietal eye, which allows it to detect changes in light intensity both in and out of water.

I wanted to do at least one take on a creature from the actual novel, so here’s my answer to the bizarre three-eyed ichthyosaur. Plus a ‘lost world’ needs some ancient animal lineages, and a late-surviving sphenodont outside of New Zealand seems like a good fit.