Marine reptile - Fossil skeleton - Claudiosaurus germaini - 31 cm - 86 cm

Claudiosaurus germaini – An early marine reptile:
Claudiosaurus germaini is a remarkable fossil from the late Permian period, offering a rare glimpse into the early development of aquatic reptiles. The animal lived approximately 260 million years ago in the coastal waters of present-day Madagascar. With a body length of 67.5 cm, it ranks among the smaller representatives of early marine reptiles, yet already shows clear adaptations to life in the water.

Origin and Preservation
The find comes from the Sakamena Formation near Ranohira in southern Madagascar, a region known for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils. The entire fossil measures 86 × 31 cm and presents the animal in a clear, detailed preservation that provides information about skeletal structure and lifestyle.

Meaning of the fossil
This specimen is scientifically valuable because Claudiosaurus is considered one of the early steps toward fully marine reptiles. The fossil documents the transitional phase from land-dwelling to aquatic specialized forms and provides important insights into the evolution of diapsids in the Permian period.


Claudiosaurus germaini marine reptile

Location: Sakamena Formation, Ranohira - South Madagascar
Age: Permian Age: about 260 million years
Size: 86x31cm - Body length: 67.5cm