1.5" Fossil Paralenorthis Sp Brachiopod In Matrix Valongo Formation Arouca Portugal

Location: Valongo Formation, Arouca, Portugal

Weight: 11.2 Ounces 

Dimensions: 3.2 Inches Long, 3.1 Inches wide, 1.1 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Dimensions: 1.5 Inches Long, 0.9 Inches wide

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Middle Ordovician Age, 470 Million Years Old.

Paralenorthis sp. represents an undetermined species of brachiopod within the class Rhynchonellata, a group of marine invertebrates distinguished by their paired shells arranged dorsally and ventrally. The genus Paralenorthis belongs to the phylum Brachiopoda, which is renowned for its rich fossil record extending back to the Cambrian.

Fossils of Paralenorthis sp. found in Portugal are closely tied to Paleozoic sedimentary formations, reflecting ancient shallow marine environments where these organisms attached themselves to stable seafloor substrates. Such deposits indicate periods of favorable oceanic conditions, supporting diverse benthic life.

Notable fossil localities, including the Lusitanian Basin, have produced numerous brachiopod specimens, highlighting the region’s importance in reconstructing Paleozoic marine ecosystems. Members of Paralenorthis typically exhibit symmetrical, rounded to oval shells with fine ribbing or surface ornamentation, features essential for species-level identification. Their internal anatomy included a lophophore, enabling efficient filter feeding in nutrient-rich ancient seas.