It preserves fossils dating back to the Tithonian stage of the Late Jurassic period.

[1] It is roughly contemporary with the Altmühltal Formation (which includes the true Solnhofen limestone), as they both underlay the Mörnsheim Formation.

[2] The 12th specimen, or "Schamhaupten specimen", of Archaeopteryx was uncovered in the lower portion of the Painten Formation.

[2] Other dinosaurs found here include Juravenator, Ostromia and possibly Compsognathus.

The following fossils have been reported from the formation:[1]