NOTE: I did NOT make the images. Most images were among the first Google image results when searching for the creature's name, but if you want an image's source let me know. Also, for scale images with more than one animal, assume the biggest one is the species in question unless a smaller one is circled.
Since it was so recent, I won't pretend that my suggestion was the reason any of these things were added, but a month ago I wrote up a series of suggestions which included Dunkleosteus, Nothosaurus, an ichthyosaur comparable to Shonisaurus (Shastasaurus), and lagoon islands (I also have an unposted list of 20 Cretaceous species including Archelon, but didn't get around to much more than a list). This series is viewable here: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/suggestions-for-unusual-species.618216/#post-10175735 .
I didn't think any in my initial suggestion would be added, but now that Frontier is adding these species, I thought it'd be fun to touch up my suggestions. Feel free to post feedback or similar ideas.
CHANGES:
Leedsichthys is likely the largest boned fish ever. Conservative estimates put it at 9-10m which makes it one of the biggest aquatic species in the game, but other estimates would make it as big or bigger than the Mosasaurus. It would need a new unique plankton dispenser for food. It could be the lagoon equivalent of sauropods, and could open the door for attractions like boat rides that let guests get closer than they should with the existing large aquatics.
Dearc is a large relative of the Rhamphorhynchus. Some scientists think the known remains are an adolescent so the Dearc could have a wingspan of 3m or more. Nearly every pterosaur in the game is a Cretaceous species more closely related to the Pterodactyl, so the Dearc could stand out with its unique body which includes a long tail and short neck.
Plesiosuchus is a metriorhynchoid crocodilian, crocodiles evolved for an aquatic lifestyle. It likely preyed on other marine reptiles and it could reach sizes of nearly 7m, meaning its in-game behavior and size could be comparable to the Lieurplodon. Unless the ability to combine lagoons with regular exhibits is added, a fully aquatic species like this might be the closest to a normal crocodile we could see.
Asteracanthus is the biggest hybodont, a group of shark-like fish with two dorsal fins. It could grow up to 3m, which is slightly smaller than the in-game Plesiosaurus. It would look unique among the multitude of plesiosaurs/pliosaurs and could satisfy the players that want live shark bait.
Smok is an archosaur with heavily debated classification, as it has a skull and back like a crocodile but limbs like a theropod. This could give it a unique and intimidating appearance. Capable of reaching 6m, its in-game size and likely behavior would be comparable to our Megalosaurus.
Redondavenator is a terrestrial crocodilian that could reach up to 4m long which made it a dangerous predator of the Triassic. Behavior-wise, I could see it being like the similarly sized Herrerasaurus, which actively hunts small herbivores but doesn't mess with larger ones like hadrosaurs.
Desmatosuchus is a four-legged archosaur. It can grow up to 6m, comparable to the in-game Nodosaurus. With four rows of armored scutes and five rows of small spikes, it could occupy a similar niche as some ankylosaurs. Its other notable features include a pair of large shoulder spikes and the fact that its front legs are notably shorter than its rear ones.
Miodentosaurus is a thalattosaur, marine reptiles which likely resembled modern lizards. Including the long, flat tail it used as a paddle, Miodentosaurus grew over 4m which makes it longer than the in-game Plesiosaurus. It would likely occupy a similar niche and need to be kept away from predators like the Lieurplodon and the Mosasaurus.
Smilosuchus is a phytosaur, creatures which look like modern crocodiles despite not being closely related. It could reach up to 12m, making it one of the largest Triassic predators and comparable to some Large carnivores in-game. With its semi-aquatic lifestyle, it could either be a terrestrial species with an AI that prefers to stay in water or an aquatic species that uses the new floating islands.
Euskelosaurus is a sauropodomorph, which were ancestors of sauropods. It grew over 12m, placing it between Amargasaurus and Nigersaurus so it could have a similar behavior to them. Unlike them, most sauropodomorphs could readily go up on their hind legs to reach taller foliage which would give Euskelosaurus unique animations.
Tanystropheus is a 6m long reptile, but half of its length is its inflexible neck. Some researchers think it was fully aquatic while others think it was semi-aquatic, so a middle ground could be to give it access to floating islands.
Scalenodontoides appears to have been a four-legged cynodont best known from a two-foot long skull which resembles the better known Exaeretodon. Exaeretodon has a skull half this size and its full body length is six feet, meaning Scalenodontoides could have been 3.5m. As a cynodont, it may have had fur which would make it more unique.
Fasolasuchus is a loricatan, which means it is a close relative of modern crocodiles, and it could grow up to 10m which is comparable to or bigger than most in-game theropods from the Jurassic and Cretaceous. Unlike most other crocodile-esque Triassic creatures discussed here, Fasolasuchus was likely fully terrestrial and is believed to be the most dangerous terrestrial Triassic predator.
Ceratodus is a large lungfish that could grow up to nearly 2m, making it noticeably bigger than the in-game Oviraptor. I imagine its AI would actively seek out water as it would move very slowly on land, but be quicker once in shallow water. Some might question a lungfish, but I think it would be one of the most unique species in the game and it could be cool to see a direct descendant of a modern species. Plus, some players could use it as an aquatic goat for the spinosaurs.
Sillosuchus is a bipedal pseudosuchian, archosaurs between dinosaurs and crocodiles. One of the most complete findings was roughly 3m, but there is evidence to suggest Sillosuchus could grow up to 10m instead. It likely used a toothless beak to consume plant matter, so given its size it would likely behave like the similarly sized hadrosaurs.
Lisowicia is the largest prehistoric synapsid, a major group including Dimetrodon and many creatures discussed here. It was roughly 4.5m long but was very stocky and weighed about as much as a modern elephant. Furthering this comparison, all four of its legs were straight and directly under its body, unlike the bent and sprawled-out legs seen in most other synapsids at the time.
Erythrosuchus is a reptile that was the largest apex predator of its time. It grew up to 5m and, compared to its body, had a massive head full of large, sharp teeth. It is slightly larger than the in-game Dimetrodon so might have a similar diet, but given how it is used to being an apex predator I could see it being more aggressive in-game.
Placodus is a marine reptile which would grow up to 3m, making it slightly smaller than the Plesiosaurus. It has a very stocky body, long tail, short legs, and webbed feet. As a durophage, it specifically eats shellfish. A new feeder would have to be added, which I picture as a square similar to the standard terrestrial carnivore feeder, but this square of shellfish would be placed on the bottom of lagoons and get refilled by a lagoon drone. Placodus could dive down, dig around in the feeder, eat the shellfish it digs up, and resurface.
Proterosuchus is a reptile which likely had at least some resemblance to modern lizards. As it grew up to 3.5m, it is believed to have hunted Lystrosaurus. In-game, it could pose a threat to the other smallest species such as Compsognathus but might be ignored by larger creatures.
Atopodentatus is a sauropterygian, which means it is related to Plesiosaurus and Nothosaurus. Capable of reaching 2.75m, it would be noticeably bigger than the in-game Ichthyosaurus. Unlike any other marine reptile either suggested here or in the game already, Atopodentatus was likely fully herbivorous. If terrain brushes are added to lagoons, it could feed from natural plants like terrestrial herbivores. If not, it could have a unique feeder like the one discussed with Placodus, except with plants instead of shellfish. Combining its diet with its hammer-shaped head would make it easily stand out in-game.
Parahelicoprion is a holocephalid, shark-like creatures which include modern day ghost sharks. The largest Parahelicoprion could grow up to 12m, comparable to the in-game Tylosaurus. Unlike the better known Helicoprion discussed below, the Parahelicoprion's lower jaw ends in a wedge covered in blade-like teeth meaning it likely hunted much larger prey than the Helicoprion and its bites were more likely to cause traumatic injuries.
Edaphosaurus is a herbivorous synapsid that has a similar body and sail to Dimetrodon, though at 3.5m Edaphosaurus would be slightly smaller in game. Unlike Dimetrodon, Edaphosaurus had a thicker sail supported by cross-bars which could help it stand apart. There is a debate on the sail's purpose, but with little to no evidence supporting other theories, many think the sail was primarily for attracting mates. If so, perhaps its in-game sails could be a variety of vibrant colors.
Tappenosaurus may be the largest known terrestrial predator of the Permian. Closely related to Dimetrodon, it could use some similar animations, but given its lack of competition and its larger size of 5.5m, it may be more predatory. There is no evidence to suggest Tappenosaurus had a massive sail like Dimetrodon, but many recreations portray it with a smaller row of spines.
Moradisaurus is a large captorhinid reptile, creatures resembling modern lizards but with larger and flatter skulls. Not counting its tail, Moradisaurus was 2m long, comparable to the in-game Homalocephale. Given its teeth and jaw structure, Moradisaurus likely lived off fibrous plants which could make it a good pen mate for other small herbivores.
Prionosuchus may be the largest amphibian ever as one specimen was estimated to be 5.5m, but some researchers believe it could have reached 9m, comparable to the game's hadrosaurs. It resembles modern-day gharials, crocodilians from India with long, thin snouts. Prionosuchus likely had a similar semi-aquatic lifestyle, so it could be handled like the aforementioned Smilosuchus and stay near water or live in a lagoon with access to floating islands. Given its thinner snout and smaller size, Prionosuchus might peacefully coexist in exhibits with medium herbivores that the more aggressive Smilosuchus might prey upon.
Anteosaurus is a carnivorous synapsid and one of the best-known early predators. It could grow over 5m and is sometimes referred to as the T-Rex of its time, mostly thanks to its massive skull and huge teeth. Evidence suggests it was also very fast. It was likely a specialized hunter which would prey upon the largest creatures, meaning in-game it could even pose a threat to some larger herbivores that creatures like Dimetrodon or the aforementioned Tappenosaurus might ignore.
Cotylorhynchus is a large caseid synapsid, which is a group of four-legged herbivores with tiny heads, long tails that likely dragged on the ground, and a round, barrel-shaped body. Most specimens were around 4m long.
Scymnosaurus is a hyena-sized therocephalian synapsid, which are four-legged carnivores known for their large skulls and fangs which would have made them powerful predators. As they were related to mammals, some portrayals of Scymnosaurus include fur which would make it stand apart from most other Permian species.
Helicoprion, like the aforementioned Parahelicoprion, is a shark-like holocephalid. Unlike the hatchet-esque line of long teeth on Parahelicoprion, the end of Helicoprion's lower jaw ends in something called a "tooth l", which is a tight and saw-like spiral of shorter teeth. This suggests that, unlike its apex predator relative which would hunt marine reptiles, Helicoprion likely preyed upon smaller cephalopods or fish. While it could grow up to the same massive lengths as Parahelicoprion, most specimens were around 8m. Going with this smaller size would further differentiate the two and it would still be bigger than the in-game Lieurplodon.
Alierasaurus is a caseid synapsid and close relative of the previously mentioned Cotylorhynchus. Like its relative, Alierasaurus had a tiny head, a long tail, and a huge and barrel-like body. It also regularly grew up to 7m whereas its relative was often noticeably smaller. Finally, Alierasaurus also had larger and more curved claws to help it tear apart plant matter.
Inostrancevia is a gorgonopsid, quadrupedal carnivores known for their very long fangs, long yet narrow snouts, and the ability to open their jaws 90 degrees or more. It could grow up to 3.5m, which is almost as big as in-game Velociraptors like Blue. While it was likely the apex predator in its environment, its small size means it might behave like the Herrerasaurus, which actively hunts smaller species but is more indifferent towards larger ones.
Scutosaurus was a pareiasaur, which are heavily armored four-legged creatures related to reptiles. Scutosaurus was covered in thick plates and could grow up to 3m, which is comparable to the in-game Minmi and it could have a similar demeanor. Scutosaurus was short and stout with a small tail and, unlike most Permian creatures, its legs were directly under its body instead of sprawled out.
Arthropleura is a millipede that could grow over 2.6m, making it bigger than the in-game Troodon. It also survived the Carboniferous extinction, so it could be added as a Permian species as well.
Rhizodus resembled a fish but was a tetrapodomorph, meaning it is at least related to the ancestors of modern-day terrestrial creatures. It had a mouth full of impressive teeth which included a pair of unusually long fangs. It could also grow to more than 5.6m, making it nearly double the size of the in-game Plesiosaurus.
Pholiderpeton is an amphibian but may also be a link between amphibians and reptiles. At 4.6m, it is noticeably bigger than the in-game Plesiosaurus. It may also have been semi-aquatic. To represent this, it could have access to floating islands or be a terrestrial creature with an AI that tries to stay in or near water.
Anthracosaurus is an embolomere, which may be descendants of reptiles, and is described as eel-like. It could grow up to 3m, which is almost as big as the in-game Plesiosaurus. Anthracosaurus had a mouth full of long teeth as they not only ran along its jaw as expected, but have also been found on the roof of its mouth.
Heterosteus is a placoderm, or an armored fish, like the Titanichthys below. Heterosteus could grow up to 6m, which is almost as big as the in-game Attenborosaurus but noticeably smaller than the other suggested filter feeders. While some think Heterosteus may have fed on small fish, most seem to think that it was a filter feeder. Unlike the other more fish-like filter feeders discussed here, Heterosteus had a flat body, triangular head, and eyes on stalks. Given these adaptions, some suggest it was a bottom feeder. If so, it could add a lot of life to a lagoon as it constantly rummages through the substrate and stirs up sand. Plus, one of its species is named ingens, so a NPC could comment on this as it is released from the hatchery.
Titanichthys, like Dunkleosteus, is another one of the armored fish known as placoderms. Unlike the predatory Dunkleosteus, Titanichthys was likely a filter feeder which would make it similar to the Leedsichthys discussed earlier. If both were added, could share the plankton dispenser mentioned there. Unlike the Leedsichthys, which could be the biggest aquatic creature in the game, Titanichthys likely grew up to 7.6m, which is a little bigger than the in-game Lieurplodon.
Endoceras is a cephalopod similar to modern-day squid. It had a straight and very long shell which could make it reach up to 5.7m long, nearly twice the size of the in-game Plesiosaurus. While it could likely swim, it is likely mainly scuttled along the seabed where it could ambush small prey. This could give life to the bottom of lagoons and have some interesting animations in-game.
Jaekelopterus is a eurypterid, or a sea scorpion, and is one of the largest arthropods ever. It could reach 2.6m, making it larger than the in-game Ichthyosaurus. It has huge pincers and forelimbs which are perfect for catching fish and other prey. Similar to the Endoceras, Jaekelopterus could scuttle along the bottom of the lagoon, but it likely could both hover and swim through the water as well.
Since it was so recent, I won't pretend that my suggestion was the reason any of these things were added, but a month ago I wrote up a series of suggestions which included Dunkleosteus, Nothosaurus, an ichthyosaur comparable to Shonisaurus (Shastasaurus), and lagoon islands (I also have an unposted list of 20 Cretaceous species including Archelon, but didn't get around to much more than a list). This series is viewable here: https://forums.frontier.co.uk/threads/suggestions-for-unusual-species.618216/#post-10175735 .
I didn't think any in my initial suggestion would be added, but now that Frontier is adding these species, I thought it'd be fun to touch up my suggestions. Feel free to post feedback or similar ideas.
CHANGES:
- Simplified details on islands, shelves, shallow bays, etc. (Smilosuchus, Tanystropheus, Prionosuchus, & Pholiderpeton)
- Replaced Shastasaurus with Smok (Note: Shastasaurus could still work, but I thought people would appreciate a more unique suggestion. If added, Shastasaurus could be a little bigger than Shonisaurus, Shastasaurus would have a much shorter snout, it could have a specialized diet of soft cephalopods, and it could be more passive than Shonisaurus if Shonisaurus is aggressive towards other species)
- Replaced Nothosaurus with Atopodentatus
- Replaced Dunkleosteus with Heterosteus
- Everything else is practically the same as my initial suggestion.
JURASSIC LAGOON & AVIARY SPECIES PACK
- Leedsichthys - Large Aquatic Filter Feeder
- Dearc - Medium Aerial Piscivore
- Plesiosuchus - Medium Aquatic Piscivore
- Asteracanthus - Small Aquatic Piscivore
Leedsichthys is likely the largest boned fish ever. Conservative estimates put it at 9-10m which makes it one of the biggest aquatic species in the game, but other estimates would make it as big or bigger than the Mosasaurus. It would need a new unique plankton dispenser for food. It could be the lagoon equivalent of sauropods, and could open the door for attractions like boat rides that let guests get closer than they should with the existing large aquatics.
Dearc is a large relative of the Rhamphorhynchus. Some scientists think the known remains are an adolescent so the Dearc could have a wingspan of 3m or more. Nearly every pterosaur in the game is a Cretaceous species more closely related to the Pterodactyl, so the Dearc could stand out with its unique body which includes a long tail and short neck.
Plesiosuchus is a metriorhynchoid crocodilian, crocodiles evolved for an aquatic lifestyle. It likely preyed on other marine reptiles and it could reach sizes of nearly 7m, meaning its in-game behavior and size could be comparable to the Lieurplodon. Unless the ability to combine lagoons with regular exhibits is added, a fully aquatic species like this might be the closest to a normal crocodile we could see.
Asteracanthus is the biggest hybodont, a group of shark-like fish with two dorsal fins. It could grow up to 3m, which is slightly smaller than the in-game Plesiosaurus. It would look unique among the multitude of plesiosaurs/pliosaurs and could satisfy the players that want live shark bait.
LATE TRIASSIC SPECIES PACK #1
- Smok - Medium Carnivore
- Redondavenator - Small Carnivore
- Desmatosuchus - Small Herbivore
- Miodentosaurus - Small Aquatic Piscivore
Smok is an archosaur with heavily debated classification, as it has a skull and back like a crocodile but limbs like a theropod. This could give it a unique and intimidating appearance. Capable of reaching 6m, its in-game size and likely behavior would be comparable to our Megalosaurus.
Redondavenator is a terrestrial crocodilian that could reach up to 4m long which made it a dangerous predator of the Triassic. Behavior-wise, I could see it being like the similarly sized Herrerasaurus, which actively hunts small herbivores but doesn't mess with larger ones like hadrosaurs.
Desmatosuchus is a four-legged archosaur. It can grow up to 6m, comparable to the in-game Nodosaurus. With four rows of armored scutes and five rows of small spikes, it could occupy a similar niche as some ankylosaurs. Its other notable features include a pair of large shoulder spikes and the fact that its front legs are notably shorter than its rear ones.
Miodentosaurus is a thalattosaur, marine reptiles which likely resembled modern lizards. Including the long, flat tail it used as a paddle, Miodentosaurus grew over 4m which makes it longer than the in-game Plesiosaurus. It would likely occupy a similar niche and need to be kept away from predators like the Lieurplodon and the Mosasaurus.
LATE TRIASSIC SPECIES PACK #2
- Smilosuchus - Medium Carnivore
- Euskelosaurus - Medium Herbivore
- Tanystropheus - Small Aquatic Piscivore
- Scalenodontoides - Small Herbivore
Smilosuchus is a phytosaur, creatures which look like modern crocodiles despite not being closely related. It could reach up to 12m, making it one of the largest Triassic predators and comparable to some Large carnivores in-game. With its semi-aquatic lifestyle, it could either be a terrestrial species with an AI that prefers to stay in water or an aquatic species that uses the new floating islands.
Euskelosaurus is a sauropodomorph, which were ancestors of sauropods. It grew over 12m, placing it between Amargasaurus and Nigersaurus so it could have a similar behavior to them. Unlike them, most sauropodomorphs could readily go up on their hind legs to reach taller foliage which would give Euskelosaurus unique animations.
Tanystropheus is a 6m long reptile, but half of its length is its inflexible neck. Some researchers think it was fully aquatic while others think it was semi-aquatic, so a middle ground could be to give it access to floating islands.
Scalenodontoides appears to have been a four-legged cynodont best known from a two-foot long skull which resembles the better known Exaeretodon. Exaeretodon has a skull half this size and its full body length is six feet, meaning Scalenodontoides could have been 3.5m. As a cynodont, it may have had fur which would make it more unique.
LATE TRIASSIC SPECIES PACK #3
- Fasolasuchus - Medium Carnivore
- Ceratodus - Small Piscivore
- Sillosuchus - Medium Herbivore
- Lisowicia - Small Herbivore
Fasolasuchus is a loricatan, which means it is a close relative of modern crocodiles, and it could grow up to 10m which is comparable to or bigger than most in-game theropods from the Jurassic and Cretaceous. Unlike most other crocodile-esque Triassic creatures discussed here, Fasolasuchus was likely fully terrestrial and is believed to be the most dangerous terrestrial Triassic predator.
Ceratodus is a large lungfish that could grow up to nearly 2m, making it noticeably bigger than the in-game Oviraptor. I imagine its AI would actively seek out water as it would move very slowly on land, but be quicker once in shallow water. Some might question a lungfish, but I think it would be one of the most unique species in the game and it could be cool to see a direct descendant of a modern species. Plus, some players could use it as an aquatic goat for the spinosaurs.
Sillosuchus is a bipedal pseudosuchian, archosaurs between dinosaurs and crocodiles. One of the most complete findings was roughly 3m, but there is evidence to suggest Sillosuchus could grow up to 10m instead. It likely used a toothless beak to consume plant matter, so given its size it would likely behave like the similarly sized hadrosaurs.
Lisowicia is the largest prehistoric synapsid, a major group including Dimetrodon and many creatures discussed here. It was roughly 4.5m long but was very stocky and weighed about as much as a modern elephant. Furthering this comparison, all four of its legs were straight and directly under its body, unlike the bent and sprawled-out legs seen in most other synapsids at the time.
EARLY & MIDDLE TRIASSIC SPECIES PACK
- Erythrosuchus - Small Carnivore
- Placodus - Small Aquatic Durophage
- Proterosuchus - Small Carnivore
- Atopodentatus - Small Aquatic Herbivore
Erythrosuchus is a reptile that was the largest apex predator of its time. It grew up to 5m and, compared to its body, had a massive head full of large, sharp teeth. It is slightly larger than the in-game Dimetrodon so might have a similar diet, but given how it is used to being an apex predator I could see it being more aggressive in-game.
Placodus is a marine reptile which would grow up to 3m, making it slightly smaller than the Plesiosaurus. It has a very stocky body, long tail, short legs, and webbed feet. As a durophage, it specifically eats shellfish. A new feeder would have to be added, which I picture as a square similar to the standard terrestrial carnivore feeder, but this square of shellfish would be placed on the bottom of lagoons and get refilled by a lagoon drone. Placodus could dive down, dig around in the feeder, eat the shellfish it digs up, and resurface.
Proterosuchus is a reptile which likely had at least some resemblance to modern lizards. As it grew up to 3.5m, it is believed to have hunted Lystrosaurus. In-game, it could pose a threat to the other smallest species such as Compsognathus but might be ignored by larger creatures.
Atopodentatus is a sauropterygian, which means it is related to Plesiosaurus and Nothosaurus. Capable of reaching 2.75m, it would be noticeably bigger than the in-game Ichthyosaurus. Unlike any other marine reptile either suggested here or in the game already, Atopodentatus was likely fully herbivorous. If terrain brushes are added to lagoons, it could feed from natural plants like terrestrial herbivores. If not, it could have a unique feeder like the one discussed with Placodus, except with plants instead of shellfish. Combining its diet with its hammer-shaped head would make it easily stand out in-game.
PERMIAN SPECIES PACK #1
- Parahelicoprion - Large Aquatic Piscivore
- Edaphosaurus - Small Herbivore
- Tappenosaurus - Small Carnivore
- Moradisaurus - Small Herbivore
Parahelicoprion is a holocephalid, shark-like creatures which include modern day ghost sharks. The largest Parahelicoprion could grow up to 12m, comparable to the in-game Tylosaurus. Unlike the better known Helicoprion discussed below, the Parahelicoprion's lower jaw ends in a wedge covered in blade-like teeth meaning it likely hunted much larger prey than the Helicoprion and its bites were more likely to cause traumatic injuries.
Edaphosaurus is a herbivorous synapsid that has a similar body and sail to Dimetrodon, though at 3.5m Edaphosaurus would be slightly smaller in game. Unlike Dimetrodon, Edaphosaurus had a thicker sail supported by cross-bars which could help it stand apart. There is a debate on the sail's purpose, but with little to no evidence supporting other theories, many think the sail was primarily for attracting mates. If so, perhaps its in-game sails could be a variety of vibrant colors.
Tappenosaurus may be the largest known terrestrial predator of the Permian. Closely related to Dimetrodon, it could use some similar animations, but given its lack of competition and its larger size of 5.5m, it may be more predatory. There is no evidence to suggest Tappenosaurus had a massive sail like Dimetrodon, but many recreations portray it with a smaller row of spines.
Moradisaurus is a large captorhinid reptile, creatures resembling modern lizards but with larger and flatter skulls. Not counting its tail, Moradisaurus was 2m long, comparable to the in-game Homalocephale. Given its teeth and jaw structure, Moradisaurus likely lived off fibrous plants which could make it a good pen mate for other small herbivores.
PERMIAN SPECIES PACK #2
- Prionosuchus - Medium Piscivore
- Anteosaurus - Small Carnivore
- Cotylorhynchus - Small Herbivore
- Scymnosaurus - Small Carnivore
Prionosuchus may be the largest amphibian ever as one specimen was estimated to be 5.5m, but some researchers believe it could have reached 9m, comparable to the game's hadrosaurs. It resembles modern-day gharials, crocodilians from India with long, thin snouts. Prionosuchus likely had a similar semi-aquatic lifestyle, so it could be handled like the aforementioned Smilosuchus and stay near water or live in a lagoon with access to floating islands. Given its thinner snout and smaller size, Prionosuchus might peacefully coexist in exhibits with medium herbivores that the more aggressive Smilosuchus might prey upon.
Anteosaurus is a carnivorous synapsid and one of the best-known early predators. It could grow over 5m and is sometimes referred to as the T-Rex of its time, mostly thanks to its massive skull and huge teeth. Evidence suggests it was also very fast. It was likely a specialized hunter which would prey upon the largest creatures, meaning in-game it could even pose a threat to some larger herbivores that creatures like Dimetrodon or the aforementioned Tappenosaurus might ignore.
Cotylorhynchus is a large caseid synapsid, which is a group of four-legged herbivores with tiny heads, long tails that likely dragged on the ground, and a round, barrel-shaped body. Most specimens were around 4m long.
Scymnosaurus is a hyena-sized therocephalian synapsid, which are four-legged carnivores known for their large skulls and fangs which would have made them powerful predators. As they were related to mammals, some portrayals of Scymnosaurus include fur which would make it stand apart from most other Permian species.
PERMIAN SPECIES PACK #3
- Helicoprion - Medium Aquatic Piscivore
- Alierasaurus - Medium Herbivore
- Inostrancevia - Small Carnivore
- Scutosaurus - Small Herbivore
Helicoprion, like the aforementioned Parahelicoprion, is a shark-like holocephalid. Unlike the hatchet-esque line of long teeth on Parahelicoprion, the end of Helicoprion's lower jaw ends in something called a "tooth l", which is a tight and saw-like spiral of shorter teeth. This suggests that, unlike its apex predator relative which would hunt marine reptiles, Helicoprion likely preyed upon smaller cephalopods or fish. While it could grow up to the same massive lengths as Parahelicoprion, most specimens were around 8m. Going with this smaller size would further differentiate the two and it would still be bigger than the in-game Lieurplodon.
Alierasaurus is a caseid synapsid and close relative of the previously mentioned Cotylorhynchus. Like its relative, Alierasaurus had a tiny head, a long tail, and a huge and barrel-like body. It also regularly grew up to 7m whereas its relative was often noticeably smaller. Finally, Alierasaurus also had larger and more curved claws to help it tear apart plant matter.
Inostrancevia is a gorgonopsid, quadrupedal carnivores known for their very long fangs, long yet narrow snouts, and the ability to open their jaws 90 degrees or more. It could grow up to 3.5m, which is almost as big as in-game Velociraptors like Blue. While it was likely the apex predator in its environment, its small size means it might behave like the Herrerasaurus, which actively hunts smaller species but is more indifferent towards larger ones.
Scutosaurus was a pareiasaur, which are heavily armored four-legged creatures related to reptiles. Scutosaurus was covered in thick plates and could grow up to 3m, which is comparable to the in-game Minmi and it could have a similar demeanor. Scutosaurus was short and stout with a small tail and, unlike most Permian creatures, its legs were directly under its body instead of sprawled out.
CARBONIFEROUS SPECIES PACK
- Arthropleura - Small Herbivore
- Rhizodus - Medium Aquatic Piscivore
- Pholiderpeton - Small Aquatic Piscivore
- Anthracosaurus - Small Aquatic Piscivore
Arthropleura is a millipede that could grow over 2.6m, making it bigger than the in-game Troodon. It also survived the Carboniferous extinction, so it could be added as a Permian species as well.
Rhizodus resembled a fish but was a tetrapodomorph, meaning it is at least related to the ancestors of modern-day terrestrial creatures. It had a mouth full of impressive teeth which included a pair of unusually long fangs. It could also grow to more than 5.6m, making it nearly double the size of the in-game Plesiosaurus.
Pholiderpeton is an amphibian but may also be a link between amphibians and reptiles. At 4.6m, it is noticeably bigger than the in-game Plesiosaurus. It may also have been semi-aquatic. To represent this, it could have access to floating islands or be a terrestrial creature with an AI that tries to stay in or near water.
Anthracosaurus is an embolomere, which may be descendants of reptiles, and is described as eel-like. It could grow up to 3m, which is almost as big as the in-game Plesiosaurus. Anthracosaurus had a mouth full of long teeth as they not only ran along its jaw as expected, but have also been found on the roof of its mouth.
PRE-CARBONIFEROUS LAGOON SPECIES PACK
- Heterosteus - Medium Aquatic Filter Feeder
- Titanichthys - Medium Aquatic Filter Feeder
- Endoceras - Medium Aquatic Piscivore
- Jaekelopterus - Small Aquatic Piscivore
Heterosteus is a placoderm, or an armored fish, like the Titanichthys below. Heterosteus could grow up to 6m, which is almost as big as the in-game Attenborosaurus but noticeably smaller than the other suggested filter feeders. While some think Heterosteus may have fed on small fish, most seem to think that it was a filter feeder. Unlike the other more fish-like filter feeders discussed here, Heterosteus had a flat body, triangular head, and eyes on stalks. Given these adaptions, some suggest it was a bottom feeder. If so, it could add a lot of life to a lagoon as it constantly rummages through the substrate and stirs up sand. Plus, one of its species is named ingens, so a NPC could comment on this as it is released from the hatchery.
Titanichthys, like Dunkleosteus, is another one of the armored fish known as placoderms. Unlike the predatory Dunkleosteus, Titanichthys was likely a filter feeder which would make it similar to the Leedsichthys discussed earlier. If both were added, could share the plankton dispenser mentioned there. Unlike the Leedsichthys, which could be the biggest aquatic creature in the game, Titanichthys likely grew up to 7.6m, which is a little bigger than the in-game Lieurplodon.
Endoceras is a cephalopod similar to modern-day squid. It had a straight and very long shell which could make it reach up to 5.7m long, nearly twice the size of the in-game Plesiosaurus. While it could likely swim, it is likely mainly scuttled along the seabed where it could ambush small prey. This could give life to the bottom of lagoons and have some interesting animations in-game.
Jaekelopterus is a eurypterid, or a sea scorpion, and is one of the largest arthropods ever. It could reach 2.6m, making it larger than the in-game Ichthyosaurus. It has huge pincers and forelimbs which are perfect for catching fish and other prey. Similar to the Endoceras, Jaekelopterus could scuttle along the bottom of the lagoon, but it likely could both hover and swim through the water as well.
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