Paracyclotosaurus fossil map
Where fossils of Paracyclotosaurus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 252 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 252 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Early tetrapods & amphibians |
|---|---|
| Lived | 247–241.464 million years ago |
| Periods | Triassic |
| Named by | Watson 1958 |
| Fossil records | 3 occurrences at 3 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Australia, South Africa, India |
| Rock formations | Ashfield Shale, Burgersdorp, Denwa |
About Paracyclotosaurus
Paracyclotosaurus (meaning "Near Wheeled Lizard") is an extinct genus of temnospondyl, which would have appeared similar to today's salamander – but much larger, measuring up to 2.45 m (8.0 ft) long and weighing between 159 and 365 kg (351 and 805 lb). It lived in the Middle Triassic period, about 235 million years ago, and fossils have been found in Australia, India, and South Africa.
Although they could live on dry land, Paracyclotosaurus probably spent most of its time in water. They had flattened bodies and elongated heads, almost 60 centimetres (2 ft) long, that vaguely resembled those of modern crocodiles.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Paracyclotosaurus (revision 1352021363), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q977782.
