Exhibition of Fossilized Giant Salamander Reported as New Genus and Species
Key facts
- Exhibition of Fossilized Giant Salamander Reported as New Genus and Species
- Kyoto University research group has named a giant salamander fossil discovered in Oita Prefecture as a new genus and species, 'Limnospondylus ajimuensis.' The fossil will be exhibited at the Lake Biwa Museum from June 30 to August 31.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 12, 2026
Direct answer
Kyoto University research group has named a giant salamander fossil discovered in Oita Prefecture as a new genus and species, 'Limnospondylus ajimuensis.' The fossil will be exhibited at the Lake Biwa Museum from June 30 to August 31.
- Citation
- Exhibition of Fossilized Giant Salamander Reported as New Genus and Species (June 12, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 12, 2026
Kyoto University research group has named a giant salamander fossil discovered in Oita Prefecture as a new genus and species, 'Limnospondylus ajimuensis.' The fossil will be exhibited at the Lake Biwa Museum from June 30 to August 31.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 10:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 10:29 (29 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 10:32 (2 min after Collected)
■ Overview
- A research group from Kyoto University conducted a re-examination of giant salamander fossils discovered in the Ajimu region of Usa City, Oita Prefecture. Due to unique morphological characteristics not found in other species, it has been named as a new genus and species: 'Limnospondylus ajimuensis.'
- The fossils reported are three spinal bones previously held by the Lake Biwa Museum as a species of giant salamander.
- Following the report of these research results, the Lake Biwa Museum will exhibit the authentic fossils of the Ajimu giant salamander in its permanent exhibition room.
■ Exhibition Details
- Exhibit: Authentic fossils of the Ajimu giant salamander and explanatory panels
- Number of pieces: 3 (anterior dorsal vertebra, middle dorsal vertebra, caudal vertebra)
- Location: Lake Biwa Museum, Exhibition Room A
- Period: June 30, 2026 (Tue) to August 31, 2026 (Mon)
- A research group from Kyoto University conducted a re-examination of giant salamander fossils discovered in the Ajimu region of Usa City, Oita Prefecture. Due to unique morphological characteristics not found in other species, it has been named as a new genus and species: 'Limnospondylus ajimuensis.'
- The fossils reported are three spinal bones previously held by the Lake Biwa Museum as a species of giant salamander.
- Following the report of these research results, the Lake Biwa Museum will exhibit the authentic fossils of the Ajimu giant salamander in its permanent exhibition room.
■ Exhibition Details
- Exhibit: Authentic fossils of the Ajimu giant salamander and explanatory panels
- Number of pieces: 3 (anterior dorsal vertebra, middle dorsal vertebra, caudal vertebra)
- Location: Lake Biwa Museum, Exhibition Room A
- Period: June 30, 2026 (Tue) to August 31, 2026 (Mon)
FAQ
Where was the Ajimu giant salamander discovered?
It was discovered in the Ajimu region of Usa City, Oita Prefecture, from strata dating back approximately 3.5 million years.
How long is the exhibition?
It runs until August 31, 2026.
Why was it classified as a new species?
Because it possesses a combination of morphological characteristics not seen in other Cryptobranchidae.