 "Cipactlichthys scutatus" is known from two fossils discovered in the Tlayua Formation near the town of Tepexi de Rodríguez, in Puebla, Mexico.The Tlayua Formation, is Albian (Early Cretaceous) in age, interpreted as an epicontinental marine deposit.Due to its high quality preservation and abundance of fish fossils, the formation is considered one of the most important sources of Cretaceous fishes in Mexico.