Angelloteuthis Fossil Belemnite Lower Pliensbachian Jurassic Almarza Spain with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Angelloteuthis Belemnite from Almarza, Spain

This listing presents a genuine Angelloteuthis fossil belemnite, discovered in the Lower Pliensbachian Stage of the Early Jurassic from Almarza, Spain. Dating back approximately 190–187 million years, this fossil is the preserved rostrum (guard) of an extinct squid-like cephalopod. It represents a remarkable piece of Europe’s Jurassic heritage, offering both scientific insight and display appeal.

All fossils supplied are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact fossil shown in the photographs is the one you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares for accurate measurement.

Geological Age and Provenance

The Pliensbachian Stage is part of the Lower Jurassic and is well known for its diverse marine fauna. During this time, southern Europe was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas, where ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles flourished.

The Almarza region of Spain is an important fossil locality for Early Jurassic cephalopods. Its fine-grained sediments of marine origin provide excellent conditions for fossil preservation, capturing intricate details of these ancient predators. Fossils from this site are highly prized by collectors for their rarity and historical importance.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

• Genus: Angelloteuthis
• Order: Belemnitida
• Superfamily: Belemnitoidea
• Family: Belemnitidae

Belemnites are extinct coleoids, close relatives of squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. Unlike their soft-bodied modern descendants, belemnites developed a calcified internal skeleton, with the rostrum being the part most commonly preserved in the fossil record. Angelloteuthis is a distinctive genus from the Lower Jurassic, recognised for its elegant morphology and stratigraphic importance.

Morphological Features

This specimen of Angelloteuthis displays the classic features associated with the genus:

• Slender Guard: An elongate, tapering form that narrows smoothly towards the apex.
• Pointed Apex: Sharp posterior end, streamlined for fast movement through water.
• Alveolus: Hollow anterior cavity where the phragmocone (buoyant, chambered portion) attached.
• Surface Texture: Generally smooth with subtle linear markings, reflecting growth and mineralisation.

These structural adaptations allowed belemnites to maintain stability in the water column, enabling them to live as agile predators of the Jurassic seas.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Angelloteuthis holds notable importance in biostratigraphy, as it is restricted to specific intervals within the Lower Jurassic. Its presence in sediments provides geologists with a precise means of dating and correlating marine rock sequences across Europe.

For collectors, Angelloteuthis is a sought-after genus, less common than many other belemnite forms. Specimens from the Almarza locality in Spain carry additional prestige due to their provenance, rarity, and high quality of preservation.

Display and Educational Value

This fossil was carefully chosen for its completeness and distinct morphology. Its streamlined shape makes it visually striking, while its scientific background enhances its educational significance.

An excellent addition to private fossil collections, museum displays, or teaching resources, this Angelloteuthis belemnite from Almarza, Spain provides a tangible link to the Early Jurassic seas. It is not only a collector’s piece but also an important part of Europe’s palaeontological heritage, offering both aesthetic beauty and historical insight into the evolution of ancient cephalopods.