Permian, Lower Rotliegend (280 - 298 million years) - Odernheim, Rhineland - Palatinate, Germany

This impressive fossil amphibian (Sclerocephalus haeuseri) exhibits detailed preservation of bones and soft tissue and measures over 2 feet in length! From a scientific and aesthetic standpoint, it's an exceptional vertebrate fossil.

Sclerocephalus was a salamander-like amphibian that inhabited swamps in present-day Southwest Germany, nearly 300 million years ago, before the appearance of the dinosaurs.

This specimen comes from an old collection. The quarry near Pfalz, Germany where this piece was collected has been closed for more than 20 years. A superior quality specimen like this is positioned to retain value, or appreciate.

Recent relatives: Although Sclerocephalus resembles modern day salamanders, it is not closely related. In fact, it is classified in a separate order of amphibians, the Temnospondyli, which appeared 330 million years ago and became extinct 120 million years ago.

TAXONOMY

Order: Temnospondyli
Family: Sclerocephalidae
Genus: Sclerocephalus

Location: Odernheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Geologic Period: Lower Rotliegend (280 - 298 million years)
Geographical distribution: Germany

Condition: Excellent. Only minor restoration, less than 5%

Material: Stone. Reinforced with a fibreglass backing.

Dimensions: The amphibian measures 26.5 inches / 67.3 cm from head to tail. If straightened it would be 28.5 inches / 72.4 cm. Width at the head is 5.25 inches / 13.3 cm and at the legs is 9 inches / 22.8 cm. Matrix measures 33.25 x 29.5 x 1 inches / 84.5 x 75 x 2.5 cm.

Weight: 20 kg
"Items over 20kg often require a custom crate to be built and require up to 1 week of handling time."




Display stand included.

Shipping Method. Shipped worldwide with DHL, including full insurance

We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of all of our fossils. With over 30 years of experience collecting and selling fossils we have the expertise to assess whether or not a fossil is real, repaired or restored. Most of our specimens have little or no restoration and any preparation is of the highest quality. We also provide a signed certificate of authenticity.