2.9" Crotalocephalus Gibbus Trilobite Fossil Morocco Devonian Age 400 Mil Yrs Old COA
Location: Lghaft, Morocco
Weight 13.7 Ounces
Dimensions: 4.6 Inches Tall, 3.4 Inches Wide, 1.8 Inches Thick (Matrix)
Trilobite Dimensions: 2.9 Inches Long, 1.3 Inches Wide, 0.9 Inches Thick (Head To Tail)
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Crotalocephalu
Trilobites are an extinct group of marine arthropods classified under Trilobita, and they are among the earliest complex animals in Earth’s history. First appearing around 521 million years ago during the Early Cambrian period, trilobites thrived in the ancient oceans of the Paleozoic Era, long before dinosaurs existed, making them essential indicators of early marine ecosystems.
These prehistoric creatures were the first animals to develop a hard exoskeleton, which preserved their bodies as fossils for millions of years. Their shells are divided into three longitudinal lobes: a central axial lobe and two pleural lobes, giving rise to the name “trilobite,” meaning “three-lobed.”
Trilobites have three primary body sections:
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Cephalon (head) – featuring eyes, mouthparts, and sensory organs like antennae.
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Thorax (middle) – composed of 2 to 61 flexible, overlapping segments.
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Pygidium (tail) – a fused section forming the tail.
Today, trilobite fossils are treasured by paleontologists and fossil collectors. They provide invaluable insights into Cambrian marine life, prehistoric arthropod evolution, and the rich biodiversity of Paleozoic oceans, making trilobites one of the most iconic extinct marine animals.
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, commonly, natural cracks are visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects.