15″ Acadoparadoxides Giant Cambrian Trilobite Restored Fossil Jbel Wawrmast Formation Morocco

Description

Overview of This 15″ Acadoparadoxides Giant Cambrian Trilobite

This impressive 15-inch Acadoparadoxides (often referred to as Paraoxides) trilobite is a remarkable fossil from the Jbel Wawrmast Formation of the Middle Cambrian, collected near Zagora in the Draa Valley, Alnif region of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco. This specimen has undergone professional restoration typical of large Cambrian trilobites from the region, enhancing its structural completeness and visual display while preserving original fossil material. The photographs show the exact trilobite you will receive, and full sizing can be found in the listing images.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Background and Depositional Environment

This trilobite originates from the Middle Cambrian, approximately 510–500 million years ago, a time of extraordinary evolutionary diversification often referred to as the “Cambrian Explosion.” The Jbel Wawrmast Formation, part of the wider trilobite-rich strata of the Moroccan Anti-Atlas, represents a shallow marine ecosystem once situated along the margins of the ancient continent Gondwana.

Fine-grained mudstones and limestones deposited in these calm continental shelf environments produced exceptionally detailed trilobite fossils. Periodic sedimentation events rapidly buried organisms, creating ideal conditions for their preservation. The region is globally recognised as one of the most productive and scientifically important trilobite localities.

Taxonomy and Scientific Classification

Genus: Acadoparadoxides (also referenced historically as Paraoxides)

Order: Redlichiida

Superfamily: Paradoxidoidea

Family: Paradoxididae

Geological Stage: Middle Cambrian

Formation: Jbel Wawrmast Formation

Locality: Zagora, Draa Valley, Alnif, Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Acadoparadoxides species are famous for their large size, making them some of the most iconic and sought-after Cambrian trilobites.

Morphological Features and Diagnostic Traits

This giant trilobite displays the classic anatomical features associated with the genus, including:

• Large semicircular cephalon with distinct facial sutures
• Prominent glabella extending forward in a smoothly raised central lobe
• Elongated thorax composed of numerous narrow pleural segments, giving the trilobite its impressive length
• Sweeping genal spines, often seen extending backwards from the cephalon
• Well-defined pygidium, though typically smaller relative to body size
• Fine exoskeletal ornamentation, visible as ridges and textural details across the dorsal surface

Restoration enhances missing or incomplete sections while preserving key original features. This is standard practice for large Moroccan trilobites, which are often found fragmented within the host matrix.

Paleoenvironmental and Evolutionary Significance

Trilobites such as Acadoparadoxides were important benthic organisms in Cambrian seas. Their widespread distribution and rapid evolutionary turnover make them excellent biostratigraphic markers. Fossils from this group help paleontologists understand:

• Cambrian ocean biodiversity
• Early arthropod evolution
• Paleoecological conditions on Cambrian seafloors
• Faunal correlations between Gondwanan regions

The impressive size of Acadoparadoxides specimens also highlights the ecological variety present during the Cambrian, with some species reaching lengths unmatched by most other trilobites.

Matrix, Preparation, and Display Quality

The trilobite is presented on its natural limestone matrix, prepared to showcase the full outline of the fossil. Professional restoration ensures structural stability and visual accuracy, making the piece ideal for display. The contrast between the fossil and matrix highlights anatomical features clearly, allowing viewers to appreciate both scientific detail and aesthetic presence.

This specimen is suitable for:

• Private fossil collections
• Museum-style displays
• Educational exhibits
• Geological and paleontological study

Its dramatic size and iconic morphology ensure it becomes a centrepiece wherever displayed.

Authenticity and Customer Assurance

You will receive the exact 15″ Acadoparadoxides trilobite shown in the photographs. Every specimen is inspected and verified, and your purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its genuine origin from the Jbel Wawrmast Formation, Middle Cambrian of Morocco.