Editing Baphetidae (section)

==Palaeobiology==
The presence of lateral lines and the long rows of needle-like [[tooth|teeth]] show that most were fish-eaters.  Their development was likely [[amphibian]], though no larval fossils are known. Their best-known characteristic was a curious, keyhole-shaped orbit formed by excavation of the [[Lacrimal bone|lacrimal]] and [[prefrontal bone|prefrontal]] bones in front of the eye.  It has been suggested that this space accommodated a salt gland or some kind of electrosensory organ.<ref>Bjerring, H. C. (1986). Electric tetrapods? In: ''Studies in Herpetology'' (ed. Z. Rocek), pp. 29–36. Prague: Charles University.</ref>  Perhaps the better hypothesis is that the space allowed room for the contraction of an enlarged [[pterygoideus muscle]].  In that case, this skull modification would represent an early form of skull fenestration for jaw muscles.

The skull is shallow.  Unlike the better-known [[Embolomeri|embolomeres]], the baphetid cheek and [[skull roof]] are sutured together.  There is a strongly embayed spiracular ("otic") notch, but the stapes is distally broad, which seems to rule out a sensitive hearing apparatus.  The palate is closed—a primitive character, but very different from the [[Temnospondyli|temnospondyls]].  The [[coronoid process of the mandible|coronoids]] bear no teeth or denticles, while the [[dentary]] has a double tooth row.

Since the taxon is based almost exclusively on skulls, the body is very poorly known.  It is often said that the body was crocodile-like, but this appears to be largely supposition.  
''[[Image:MegalocephalusDB.jpg|thumb|left|[[Megalocephalus]]]]''
It is not clear whether all of the genera assigned to this group are really closely related.  The traditional four genera of baphetids (''[[Loxomma]]'', ''[[Baphetes]]'', ''[[Megalocephalus]]'', and ''[[Spathicephalus]]'') have recently been supplemented by ''[[Eucritta]]'', a somewhat different form.  It has also been suggested that ''[[Crassigyrinus]]'' may be closely related.