page_title: Mastodonsaurus
section_title: Description
hierarchical_section_title: Mastodonsaurus / Description
caption_attribution_description: A late 19th century illustration of Mastodonsaurus and Hyperodapedon in their environment
context_page_description: Mastodonsaurus is an extinct genus of temnospondyl amphibian from the Middle Triassic. It belongs to a Triassic group of temnospondyls called Capitosauria, characterized by their large body size and presumably aquatic lifestyles.
context_section_description: Like those of many other capitosaurs, the head of Mastodonsaurus was triangular, reaching about 1.25 metres (4.1 ft) in the largest specimens. The total length of the largest individuals is about 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 ft). The large, oval eye sockets are midway along the skull. The jaws are lined with conical teeth. Two large tusks project up from the end of the lower jaw, fitting through openings on the palate and emerging out from the top of the skull when the jaw is closed. 
   The body of Mastodonsaurus is relatively small in proportion to the large head, and the tail is relatively short. The greatly reduced limb bones have joints that are poorly developed.
caption: A late 19th century illustration of Mastodonsaurus and Hyperodapedon
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