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

Location: Valongo Formation, Arouca, Portugal

Weight: 14.2 Ounces 

Dimensions: 3.5 Inches Long, 3.5 Inches wide, 0.8 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Dimensions: 2.2 Inches Long, 1.5 Inches wide

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Middle Ordovician Age, 470 Million Years Old.

Paralenorthis sp. refers to an undetermined species within the brachiopod genus Paralenorthis, part of the class Rhynchonellata. Brachiopods are marine invertebrates recognized by their bivalve-like shells, arranged dorsally and ventrally rather than laterally as in mollusks. The genus belongs to the phylum Brachiopoda, a group with a fossil record extending back to the Cambrian period, making them important indicators of early marine life.

In Portugal, occurrences of Paralenorthis sp. are associated with Paleozoic geological formations, which are rich in fossil brachiopods. These fossils reflect shallow marine environments where sedimentary rocks such as limestone and shale provided stable attachment surfaces for benthic organisms.

Well-known fossil-bearing regions, including the Lusitanian Basin, have produced a wide range of marine fossils, underscoring the area’s dynamic geological past. The presence of Paralenorthis sp. in these deposits suggests intervals of favorable climatic and oceanic conditions that supported thriving Paleozoic marine ecosystems.

Members of the genus Paralenorthis exhibit distinct morphological features typical of rhynchonellid brachiopods. They possess two valves (shells) that are generally symmetrical and can vary in shape from rounded to oval. The surface texture may include fine ribbing or ornamentation, which can aid in species identification.

The internal structure includes a lophophore—a feeding organ unique to brachiopods—allowing them to filter feed on plankton and organic particles suspended in water. This adaptation is crucial for their survival in nutrient-rich marine environments.