Fun Colosteus Facts For Kids

Moumita Dutta
Oct 20, 2022 By Moumita Dutta
Originally Published on Feb 26, 2022
Edited by Christina Harrison
Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao
Colosteus facts provide information on the Pennsylvanian Tetrapod.

This Extinct genus has only one known species named Colosteus scutellatus. The fossil of these amphibians was found in the Middle Pennsylvanian locality of Linton, Ohio. Specimens of these amphibians are often mistaken for reptiles. To know more about these Middle Pennsylvanian tetrapods, keep reading!

Colosteus Interesting Facts

How do you pronounce 'Colosteus'?

It is pronounced as 'Kaw-lows-tea-us'. This name was given by Edward Drinker Cope in 1862.

What type of dinosaur was a Colosteus?

The Colosteus scutellatus was a piscivore. It was an amphibian and not a dinosaur.

In which geological period did the Colosteus roam the Earth?

The Colosteus scutellatus roamed the Earth during the late Westphalian period or what is commonly known as the late Carboniferous period.

When did the Colosteus become Extinct?

It is unknown when exactly it became Extinct.

Where did the Colosteus live?

The Colosteus lived in North America. Its fossils were found in the Middle Pennsylvanian locality of Linton in the state of Ohio. More specifically, fossils were found in Saline Township. In Ohio, the fossil was also found in Mahoning County in the Five Points site.

What was the Colosteus' habitat?

Not much is known about the habitat of this genus apart from the fact that it lived in and around water bodies.

Who did the Colosteus live with?

It is not known whether the Colosteus was a solitary animal or if it exhibited group behavior.

How long did a Colosteus live?

The lifespan of a the Colosteus remains unknown.

How did they reproduce?

There is not much information regarding their reproduction.

Colosteus Fun Facts

What did the Colosteus look like?

All information related to the look of this animal is known from partial fossils and a skull that have been excavated in Ohio, USA. The skull showed that the head must have been pointed.

The skull also proved the head to be flat. In front of the skull, a couple of premaxilla tusks were present. Apart from the skull, fossils don't point towards whether or not they possessed neck frills.

We've been unable to source an image of a Colosteus and have used an image of a fire salamander instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a Colosteus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

How many bones did a Colosteus have?

It is unknown exactly how many bones these Tetrapods possessed.

How did they communicate?

They most likely communicated by smell, sight, body language, and sounds like most other animals communicate.

How big was the Colosteus?

This newly found genera from Ohio is said to have been 3 ft (1 m) in length. This length is around four times the body length of a common lizard.

How fast could a Colosteus move?

The speed of a Colosteus is not known.

How much did a Colosteus weigh?

This animal weighed about 15 lb (6.8 kg).

What were male and female names of the species?

Males and females did not have specific names.

What would you call a baby Colosteus?

There is no specific name for a baby Colosteus.

How aggressive were they?

This animal mainly preyed on fish. Hence, it was somewhat aggressive in nature. However, it is also said that it could have been a carnivore.

Did you know…

Hook, in 1983, suggested from the fossil of this amphibian that its limbs used to be fins that changed due to evolution.

Hook also suggested that the skull of the Colosteus had fangs.

This amphibian from Ohio, USA was discovered during the late 19th century.

It is not known how it defended itself.

*We've been unable to source an image of a Colosteus and have used an image of a Greererpeton instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a Colosteus, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

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Written by Moumita Dutta

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

Moumita Dutta picture

Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management

A content writer and editor with a passion for sports, Moumita has honed her skills in producing compelling match reports and stories about sporting heroes. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management.

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Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

Pradhanya Rao picture

Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.

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