大型サンショウウオ化石 - 博物館コレクション - 動物化石 - Liaoxitriton sp. - 70 cm - 44 cm

Exceptional Large Fossil Salamander (Caudata) – Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, China

Taxonomic Group: Caudata (Fossil Salamander)
Possible Genus: Liaoxitriton sp. (Liaoxitriton-type salamander)
Geological Period: Early Cretaceous, approximately 120–125 million years ago
Origin: Jehol Biota, Liaoning Province, China
Specimen Size: Approximately 58 cm in length
Overall fossil length: 70cm x 44cm


This remarkable fossil represents a large prehistoric salamander from the famous Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of northeastern China. With an impressive total length of approximately 58 cm, this specimen represents an exceptionally large individual compared with most known Mesozoic salamanders.

The fossil preserves an articulated skeleton, including a broad flattened skull, elongated vertebral column, extended tail, and well-developed limbs. The overall body proportions and robust skeletal structure are characteristic of large early salamanders such as Liaoxitriton, one of the largest salamander groups known from the Jehol ecosystem.

The specimen is preserved in fine-grained lacustrine shale, a sedimentary environment famous for exceptional fossil preservation. The dark mineralized bones contrast beautifully against the surrounding matrix, revealing anatomical details of this ancient amphibian that lived approximately 120 million years ago, when the region was covered by freshwater lakes and supported a diverse ecosystem of dinosaurs, early birds, fishes, and amphibians.

Surface details show natural mineralization, weathering, and matrix preservation consistent with a fossil formed in a continental lake environment. Minor natural cracks and sedimentary variations are part of the specimen's geological history and contribute to its authenticity and character.

A rare opportunity to acquire a large and visually impressive Early Cretaceous salamander fossil, representing one of the most fascinating amphibian groups from the Jehol Biota.