Pleurocephalites lophopleurus Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Tulear Madagascar Genuine Authentic COA


£ 14.40

AUTHENTIC JURASSIC FOSSIL FROM TULEAR, MADAGASCAR

This Pleurocephalites lophopleurus ammonite fossil is a genuine specimen from
the Lower Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic, collected in Tulear, Madagascar. Carefully selected for its fine preservation and distinctive features, this ammonite represents both a scientifically important species and a visually striking collector’s piece. The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. Every fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming that it is 100% genuine.

GEOLOGICAL AGE AND PROVENANCE

Dating back approximately 166–163 million years, this ammonite was formed during the Lower Callovian stage of the Jurassic. At that time, Madagascar was part of Gondwana and lay within the tropical zones influenced by the Tethys Ocean. Extensive shallow marine environments covered the region, depositing fine sediments that preserved marine organisms in exquisite detail. Tulear and its surrounding areas are internationally renowned for their richly fossiliferous deposits, which contain an abundance of ammonite faunas that contribute greatly to paleontological research and the refinement of the Jurassic timescale.

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION

Pleurocephalites lophopleurus belongs to the class Cephalopoda, order Ammonitida, and family Oppeliidae. The genus Pleurocephalites is a Callovian ammonite group noted for its compressed whorls, fine ribbing, and distinctive coiling. The species lophopleurus is particularly important within Lower Callovian ammonite assemblages, where its occurrence helps define biostratigraphic zones used for geological correlation. Its well-preserved shells and distinct ribbing make it a valuable fossil for both collectors and paleontologists.

MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE TRAITS

This specimen demonstrates the characteristic features of Pleurocephalites lophopleurus. The shell is involute and planispiral, with the outer whorls covering much of the inner coils. Its ribs are fine and evenly spaced, sweeping gracefully across the flanks and converging toward the ventral region. These features reflect adaptations that combined hydrodynamic efficiency with shell strength. The compressed profile and symmetrical ribbing create an elegant appearance, making it not only an important scientific specimen but also a highly attractive display fossil.

SCIENTIFIC AND STRATIGRAPHIC IMPORTANCE

Ammonites such as Pleurocephalites lophopleurus are vital index fossils for the Jurassic, used to identify and correlate Lower Callovian strata across different regions. Their distinct morphology and relatively short stratigraphic range make them ideal tools for refining the geological timescale. Fossils from Madagascar provide key insights into the biodiversity of the Tethyan seas, the evolutionary trends of ammonites, and the paleoenvironmental conditions of Gondwana during the Jurassic. For collectors, this species offers a combination of rarity, beauty, and scientific importance.

CONDITION AND PRESENTATION

This specimen has been carefully prepared to showcase its natural details, with ribbing, whorl structure, and shell form all clearly visible. It is a unique, one-of-a-kind fossil, not a cast or replica. The images provided show the exact ammonite you will receive, ensuring full transparency and confidence in your purchase. Its preservation makes it both an excellent research specimen and a visually appealing collector’s piece.

GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY

All of our fossils are 100% genuine, responsibly sourced, and scientifically identified. Each fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity to verify provenance. This rare Pleurocephalites lophopleurus ammonite fossil from Tulear, Madagascar, is a superb example of Jurassic marine life and an outstanding addition for fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, and educational collections.