Description
Genuine Barroisiceras cf. gallicum Ammonite from Madagascar
This genuine Barroisiceras cf. gallicum ammonite fossil comes from Belo sur Tsiribihina, Menabe, Madagascar, and dates from the Upper Cretaceous, Coniacian stage. Carefully chosen for its natural character, scientific interest, and attractive display appeal, this fossil represents a distinctive marine cephalopod from the ancient Cretaceous seas that once covered parts of Madagascar. With its named genus, comparative species identification, clear locality, and geological age, it is an excellent specimen for fossil collectors, ammonite enthusiasts, educational collections, natural history displays, and geology-themed gifts.
The photograph shows the actual fossil specimen you will receive, allowing you to view the real preservation, shell form, surface detail, colour, matrix association, and individual character before purchase. Full sizing can be seen in the photo, making it easy to assess the scale and suitability of this specimen for a fossil cabinet, collector’s tray, desk display, school collection, or display stand.
Fossil Type, Species and Scientific Classification
Barroisiceras cf. gallicum is an ammonite identification from the wider group of extinct coiled marine cephalopod molluscs known as ammonites. The “cf.” in the name means the specimen compares closely with Barroisiceras gallicum, while allowing for natural variation or preservation differences. This careful scientific wording is commonly used where a fossil strongly resembles a known species but is best presented with appropriate palaeontological caution.
Barroisiceras is generally associated with the order Ammonitida and is commonly placed within the family Collignoniceratidae. Members of this Cretaceous ammonite group are valued by collectors for their strong ornamentation, defined whorl shape, and stratigraphic importance. Barroisiceras is particularly associated with Upper Cretaceous marine deposits and is of interest to collectors seeking ammonites beyond the more common Jurassic examples.
Morphology and Natural Features
Barroisiceras ammonites typically display a planispiral coiled shell, meaning the shell coils in a single flat plane. Depending on preservation and growth stage, specimens may show compressed to moderately inflated whorls, strong ribbing, raised tubercles, a defined outer margin, and ornamental shell features typical of many Cretaceous ammonites. These sculptural details make the fossil visually appealing and scientifically interesting.
Like other ammonites, Barroisiceras had an internally chambered shell. The living animal occupied the outer body chamber, while earlier chambers helped with buoyancy control as it moved through the Cretaceous sea. The shell’s rib pattern, whorl profile, ornament, and overall coiling are key features used in ammonite study and identification.
Natural features may include mineralised shell surface, exposed whorl detail, matrix attachment, sediment staining, worn high points, partial preservation, or small irregularities from fossilisation. These details are part of the specimen’s authentic geological history and give it individual display character.
Upper Cretaceous Coniacian Age
This fossil dates from the Coniacian stage of the Upper Cretaceous. The Coniacian was an important interval in marine history, when ammonites remained diverse and widespread in many ancient seas. Ammonites from this period are useful for understanding Cretaceous marine ecosystems and can also have stratigraphic value because many ammonite groups evolved quickly and were widely distributed.
During the Coniacian, marine environments supported ammonites, bivalves, gastropods, echinoids, fish, marine reptiles, and many other organisms. Ammonites such as Barroisiceras were active animals in these seas, and their shells became preserved after burial in sediment, mineralisation, and millions of years of geological change.
Belo sur Tsiribihina, Menabe Locality
Belo sur Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of Madagascar is a notable locality for Cretaceous fossils. Madagascar is well known among collectors for its beautifully preserved ammonites and other marine fossils, with many specimens showing attractive colours, detailed shell ornament, and strong display presence.
A Barroisiceras cf. gallicum ammonite from this locality carries strong provenance and connects directly to the ancient marine environments of Madagascar. Fossils from named localities are especially appealing because they provide clearer geological context and a stronger collecting story than unlocalised specimens.
Genuine Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
This Barroisiceras cf. gallicum ammonite fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The certificate provides added confidence for fossil collectors, schools, gift buyers, and anyone building a verified natural history collection.
The fossil shown in the photograph is the actual specimen supplied. This means the piece you see is the piece you will receive, complete with its own natural preservation, shell detail, colour, shape, and individual character.
Collecting, Display and Educational Appeal
A Barroisiceras cf. gallicum ammonite from the Upper Cretaceous of Madagascar is an excellent addition to a fossil collection, especially for collectors interested in Cretaceous ammonites, Madagascar fossils, marine cephalopods, and named locality specimens. It pairs well with other ammonites, belemnites, fossil shells, marine reptile material, echinoids, gastropods, and Cretaceous marine fossils.
With its Coniacian age, Menabe Madagascar provenance, Barroisiceras identification, comparative species name, genuine fossil preservation, and included Certificate of Authenticity, this specimen offers strong collecting, educational, and decorative appeal.
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