A. libanensis was named in 1997 on the basis of a single complete skeleton.

[1] Although the type locality is unknown, it is said to "almost certainly" originate from the Sannine Formation.

[2] Aphanizocnemus is about 30 centimetres (12 in) long, and the tail makes up half of its length.

The flattened shape of the phalanges, or finger bones, suggests that the limbs of Aphanizocnemus formed paddles.

Aphanizocnemus was well adapted for an aquatic lifestyle, and probably spent much of its time swimming at the bottom of shallow lagoons.