0.9" Cyphaspis Otarion Spiny Trilobite Fossil Devonian Age 400 Mil Yrs Old COA

Location: Oufaten, Morocco

Weight: 4.2 Ounces 

Dimensions: 2.7 Inches Long, 2.5 Inches Wide, 1.5 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Trilobite Dimensions are: 0.9 Inches Long, 0.7 Inches Wide, 0.3 Inches Thick

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This is a genuine fossil.

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Cyphaspis Otarion Spiny Trilobite

Classification:

• Class: Trilobita

• Type: Extinct marine arthropods
  Trilobites were among the earliest known arthropods, representing a highly successful and diverse group of marine animals that shaped early ocean ecosystems.

Time Period:

• First Appearance: ~521 million years ago

• Geological Stage: Early Cambrian (Atdabanian)

• Extinction: Millions of years before dinosaurs
  These creatures thrived for hundreds of millions of years throughout the Paleozoic Era, leaving behind one of the most extensive fossil records of any extinct animal group.

Habitat:

• Environment: Ancient oceans worldwide

• Range: From shallow coastal waters to deeper marine regions
  Trilobites were highly adaptable, occupying a variety of marine habitats and playing an important role in early ocean ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics:

• Exoskeleton: Hard, mineralized outer shell—the first known skeletal structure in animals, providing protection and support while enabling exceptional fossil preservation

• Three-lobed body plan: Central axial lobe with two symmetrical pleural lobes, giving the trilobite its name, meaning “three-lobed.”

• Body regions:

  • Cephalon (head): Contained compound eyes, mouthparts, and sensory organs such as antennae for detecting the environment

  • Thorax (middle): Flexible section with 2–61 articulated segments, allowing movement and defensive curling

  • Pygidium (tail): Fused segments forming a protective rear shield

Significance:
Trilobites are considered some of the earliest complex life forms on Earth. Their well-preserved fossils are crucial for understanding the evolution of arthropods, the biodiversity of Cambrian seas, and the development of marine ecosystems in the Paleozoic Era. They continue to be one of the most studied and iconic fossil groups for both scientists and collectors alike.

Please be aware of the nature of fossils:

Being buried under the ground for millions of years under tons of pressure tends to be rough. No fossil comes out of the ground whole and perfect. Most fossils have undergone some restoration, while others are altered by man simply to enhance their presentation in different ways. The workers in Morocco do a very professional job of unearthing and preserving these natural treasures; however, natural cracks are visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects.