The holotype, IVPP V 2697, and referred materials have been found in the Hsishihwa locality at Wuhsiang, China, from the Upper Ermaying Formation (also Ehrmaying).

The locality dates back to the Anisian stage of the Middle Triassic.

[1] The genus was named after the Fen River in Shanxi Province from which specimens were found.

[2] The calcaneum of Fenhosuchus seems to belong to an erythrosuchid or other basal archosauriform.

According to Nesbitt (2009) the assessment of Gower (2000) was correct, the holotype is a mix of Shansisuchus remains and a possible fragment from a paracrocodylomorph or a dinosauriform.