June 21 , 2016

Maledictosuchus riclaensis is a Callovian metriorhynchid from the Iberian Peninsula. Metriorhynchids are marine crocodylomorphs that evolved numerous adaptations to a pelagic life-style. As well as morphological adaptations, they evolved hypertrophied salt glands, which imply a high degree of specialization. These glands were described in two metriorhynchid species. The salt glands control the ionic concentration balance in the organism. As they are soft tissue, they hardly fossilize. In the last years, computerized tomography has achieved great importance in palaeontological research, since it allows the visualization and study of the internal bone structures and the 3D digitalization in a non-invasive way and without putting the specimen at risk. The holotype of Maledictosuchus riclaensis consists on a very well preserved skull and three vertebrae. A computerized tomography of the skull shows the presence of hypertrophied salt glands in this taxon.

J. Parrilla-Bel, J.I. Canudo, J. Fortuny & S. Llacer (2016)
Glándulas de la sal en Maledictosuchus riclaensis (Metriorhynchidae, Thalattosuchia) del Calloviense de la Península Ibérica / Salt glands in Maledictosuchus riclaensis (Metriorhynchidae, Thalattosuchia) from the Callovian of the Iberian Peninsula.
Geogaceta 59: 63-66