Keichousaurus Fossil in Limestone Matrix – A Triassic Marine Reptile from China

Rarity and Value

This finely preserved fossil represents Keichousaurus hui, an elegant marine reptile that swam in the warm shallow seas of the Triassic Period, over 240 million years ago. The specimen shows an exceptional degree of articulation — the delicate skull, ribcage, limbs, and long tail remain intact and naturally positioned. Fossils of such completeness are highly prized by both scientific institutions and collectors for their educational and aesthetic value.

Discovery and Origin

Originating from the Guizhou Province, China, this Keichousaurus specimen was embedded in fine-grained limestone, a formation that once formed the floor of an ancient inland sea. The conditions of slow sedimentation and low oxygen allowed for extraordinary fossil preservation, capturing even the most fragile bones in remarkable detail. Keichousaurus, whose name means “reptile from Guizhou,” was a small relative of the larger plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs that later dominated Mesozoic oceans.

Craftsmanship and Presentation

Expertly prepared and stabilized, this specimen remains set within its original sedimentary plate, showcasing contrasting tones of fossilized bone against a natural stone background. Subtle highlights along the spine and limbs emphasize the anatomical precision of this prehistoric creature. Presented as both a scientific artifact and a natural work of art, this Keichousaurus fossil offers a direct connection to the dawn of marine reptile evolution