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

Location: Oufaten, Morocco

Weight: 4.8 Ounces 

Dimensions: 2.8 Inches Long, 2 Inches Wide, 1.4 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Trilobite Dimensions are: 1.5 Inches Long, 1.2 Inches Wide, 0.5 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

Ancient Survivors of the Early Oceans
Trilobites were an extinct group of marine arthropods classified within the class Trilobita. They are among the earliest arthropods known to science, first appearing around 521 million years ago during the Early Cambrian period. Their arrival defines the beginning of the Atdabanian stage, marking a major milestone in the evolution of complex life. Trilobites dominated marine ecosystems throughout the Paleozoic Era and became extinct long before dinosaurs appeared.

Built for Survival
A defining characteristic of trilobites was their mineralized exoskeleton, the earliest known skeletal structure in animals. This rigid shell provided both protection and structural support while also allowing trilobites to be preserved in remarkable detail as fossils. Their bodies were divided into three longitudinal lobes—a central axial lobe bordered by two pleural lobes—giving them their name, which means “three-lobed.”

Anatomy at a Glance
Trilobite anatomy followed a highly organized and efficient design:

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

• Thorax: A flexible midsection with 2 to 61 articulated segments, enabling movement and defensive curling

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

Scientific Legacy
Trilobites are considered one of the earliest complex life forms on Earth. Their extensive fossil record provides crucial evidence for understanding early arthropod evolution, Cambrian biodiversity, and the structure of ancient marine ecosystems.

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 commonly visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects.