2" Metacanthina Issoumourensis Trilobite Fossil Devonian Age 400 Mil Yrs Old COA
Location: Lghaft, Morocco
Weight: 7.6 Ounces
Dimensions: 3.3 Inches Long, 2.8 Inches Wide, 2.1 Inches Thick (Matrix)
The trilobite is: 2 Inches Long, 1.6 Inches Wide, 0.6 Inches Thick
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Metacanthina Issoumourensis
Trilobites – Iconic Extinct Marine Arthropods
Trilobites are an extinct group of marine arthropods from the class Trilobita, and they are among the earliest complex animals in Earth’s history. They first appeared around 521 million years ago during the Early Cambrian period (Atdabanian stage) and thrived in the Paleozoic oceans, long before dinosaurs existed. These ancient creatures are considered vital markers of early marine ecosystems.
Trilobites 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.”
Key Features:
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Exoskeleton: Hard, segmented shell ideal for fossilization
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Three-lobed structure: Axial lobe (center) + two pleural lobes (sides)
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Body sections:
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Cephalon (head): Eyes, mouthparts, and antennae
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Thorax (middle): 2–61 articulated segments for movement
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Pygidium (tail): Fused segments forming the rear
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Habitat: Ancient Paleozoic seas
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Significance: Early complex life forms; key to understanding Paleozoic marine biodiversity
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Fossil importance: Provides insight into Cambrian marine ecosystems, prehistoric arthropods, and ancient ocean life
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.
