1.5" Coltraenia Oufatenensis Trilobite Fossil Devonian Morocco 400 Mil Yrs Old COA

Location: Lghaft, Morocco

Weight: 7.2 Ounces 

Dimensions: 2.8 Inches Long, 2.7 Inches Wide, 1.6 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Trilobite Dimensions: 1.5 Inches Long, 1.1 Inches Wide, 0.5 Inches Thick

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Coltraenia Oufatenensis

Trilobites are extinct marine arthropods of the class Trilobita and are considered some of the earliest arthropods ever to evolve. Appearing around 521 million years ago in the Early Cambrian period, trilobites inhabited ancient oceans for hundreds of millions of years and are now key index fossils of the Paleozoic Era.

Built for Survival and Fossilization
One of the most important traits of trilobites was their hard exoskeleton, making them the first known animals with a skeletal structure. This rigid shell protected the body and allowed trilobites to fossilize easily, resulting in the wide variety of trilobite fossils found today.

Three-Lobed Body Design
The trilobite exoskeleton is divided lengthwise into three parallel lobes: a central axial lobe and two pleural lobes on either side. This distinctive three-lobed anatomy is the origin of the name trilobite and is a defining feature used to identify authentic trilobite fossils.

Anatomy and Structure
The trilobite body is composed of three main sections:

• Cephalon (head): Houses compound eyes, mouthparts, and sensory organs such as antennae

• Thorax: Consists of multiple articulated segments, providing flexibility and mobility

• Pygidium (tail): Formed from fused segments that complete the body structure

Extinction and Paleontological Importance
Trilobites became extinct long before the age of dinosaurs, yet they remain among the most significant fossil arthropods ever discovered. Valued by scientists and collectors alike, trilobite fossils offer rare insight into the evolution of early life and the structure of Earth’s ancient marine ecosystems.

Please be aware of the nature of fossils:

Fossils buried for millions of years under intense pressure often appear rough and imperfect. Fully intact fossils are rare; most require restoration, and some are even modified by humans to enhance their appearance. In Morocco, skilled workers meticulously excavate and preserve these natural treasures, though natural cracks are frequently visible on the surface. These cracks are considered part of the fossil's natural beauty and are not seen as flaws.