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The Lysorophia is an order of small, but extremely elongate and tiny-limbed aquatic lepospondyl amphibians existing from the Middle Pennsylvanian through the Lower Permian, primarily in North America. The order comprises one family, Cocytinidae, with three recognized species: Brachydectes newberryi (=Cocytinus gyrinoides), B. elongatus (=Lysorophus tricarinatus, partim) and Pleuroptyx clavatus. Other named species are considered Lysorophia, incertae sedis. Lysorophoids are distinguished by their fenestrated skulls, anteriorly sloping suspensoria, short mandibles (each bearing a lateral mandibular fenestra) and by extensive, well-ossified hyobranchial skeletons. Presacral vertebrae are holospondylous and number between 69 (B. newberryi) and 97 (B. elongatus). Neural arch halves are sutured at their midlines and to their centra. Aspects of lysorophoid anatomy, including the hyobranchial skeleton, suggest that the lysorophoids are neotenic. / While closely similar to one another, lysorophoid species are highly derived relative to other Paleozoic amphibians. They are most closely related to microsaurs, principally through the morphology of the craniovertebral articulation.