Unlike marine Latimeriids which include the one genus of extant coelacanths, Mawsoniids could also inhabit fresh or brackish water. The fluvial and lacustrine depositions in the Chinle Formation suggest an area with large bodies of water and a seasonal monsoonal climate. Chinlea lived alongside their likely prey Ceratodus (lungfish) that made burrows to avoid desiccation and lie dormant, giving evidence of a dry season.
Unlike marine Latimeriids, which include the single extant coelacanth genus, Mawsoniids could also inhabit freshwater or brackish water. The fluvial and lacustrine deposits in the Chinle Formation suggest an area with large bodies of water and a seasonal monsoonal climate. Chinlea lived alongside their likely prey Ceratodus (lungfish) that made burrows to avoid desiccation and lie dormant, providing evidence of a dry season.