Most of the formation is represented by massive dolomites, indicative of a shallow-water depositional environment. Fossils are generally rare, but conodonts from the Anisian-Ladinian boundary (namely several species of Neogondolella) are known from the lower part of the formation. Some marine reptiles have been found in dolomitic limestone near Dingxiao, an area of Guizhou sometimes considered to preserve the upper part of the Yangliujing Formation. However, under a more restrictive definition of the Yangliujing Formation, the fossils of Dingxiao would instead belong to the overlying Zhuganpo Formation.[1][2]
Fossil content
The following fossils have been reported from the formation:
