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

Location: Oufaten, Morocco

Weight: 3.6 Ounces 

Dimensions: 2.6 Inches Long, 2 Inches Wide, 1.3 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Trilobite Dimensions are: 1.5 Inches Long, 1.2 Inches Wide, 0.4 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

Trilobites were an extinct lineage of marine arthropods that belonged to the class Trilobita, representing some of the earliest complex animals on Earth. They first appeared approximately 521 million years ago during the Early Cambrian period, marking the start of the Atdabanian stage in the fossil record. Over the course of hundreds of millions of years, trilobites thrived in the world’s oceans, becoming one of the most diverse and recognizable animal groups of the Paleozoic Era, before disappearing long before the rise of dinosaurs.

One of the most notable features of trilobites was their hardened exoskeleton, the earliest known skeletal structure in the animal kingdom. This protective outer shell not only shielded them from predators and environmental hazards but also made fossilization more likely, leaving behind an extensive and detailed record of their existence. Their bodies were divided lengthwise into three lobes—a central axial lobe and two pleural lobes—giving the group its name, meaning “three-lobed.”

Anatomically, trilobites were organized into three main sections. The cephalon, or head, contained compound eyes, feeding appendages, and sensory organs such as antennae. The thorax formed the middle region and consisted of 2 to 61 flexible, articulated segments, allowing movement and defensive curling. The pygidium, or tail section, consisted of fused segments that provided protection and structural support.

Trilobites occupied a wide range of marine habitats, from shallow continental shelves to deeper ocean floors, and played an essential role in early marine ecosystems. Their abundant and well-preserved fossils continue to provide valuable insight into the evolution of arthropods, the biodiversity of the Cambrian seas, and the origins of complex life on Earth.

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.