[1] Because it differed slightly from the fossils of D. gracilis, it was first thought to belong to the species D. schroederi,[1] which is now considered a junior synonym for juvenile D.

The one limb that was found (a left forelimb), was noted to have a slimmer radius and ulna than Neusticosaurus,[1] a similar nothosaur from Europe.

[1] Dactylosaurus lived in the Early and Middle Triassic period during the Late Olenekian and Anisian[3] faunal stage, of central Europe.

[5] In terms of geology, they are found: 1) in the uppermost Röt (uppermost Buntsandstein; Lower Triassic): e.g. Michałkowice (Siemianowice Śląskie) and Kamień Śląski, S Poland,[3] (the second location is not sure because Röt is not exposed there), 2) in the lowermost Muschelkalk (Middle Triassic), inter alia in the Gogolin Formation - Gogolin and its vicinity, S Poland.

[5][6] In 2012, the new Röt site (~ 247 Ma; Lower Triassic; the latest Olenekian) with abundant disarticulated remains of Dactylosaurus was found in Gogolin.