Description
Catacoeloceras confectum Fossil Ammonite from Ispagnac, Lozère, France
This listing offers a Catacoeloceras confectum fossil ammonite, dating to the Middle Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period. Discovered in Ispagnac, Lozère, France, this specimen is an excellent representation of a rare ammonite species from one of Europe’s most significant Jurassic fossil localities. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for full size reference. Every specimen is 100% genuine and will be supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Setting – Middle Toarcian, Jurassic
This ammonite comes from the Middle Toarcian stage, approximately 178–174 million years ago. At this time, the Ispagnac region was part of the extensive Tethys Ocean system. Warm shallow seas covered much of present-day southern France, depositing marls, shales, and limestones that provided excellent conditions for fossilisation.
The Toarcian interval is especially important in palaeontology, being marked by the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE), a period of major global environmental change. Ammonites such as Catacoeloceras confectum are vital to reconstructing the biodiversity and evolutionary responses of marine life during this key time in Earth’s history.
Species and Classification
- Genus: Catacoeloceras
- Species: confectum
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
- Family: Dactylioceratidae
Catacoeloceras confectum is part of the Dactylioceratidae, a family of ammonites recognised for their evolute shells and strong ribbing. They are widely used in biostratigraphy, as they occur in clearly defined horizons that allow precise correlation of Jurassic rock layers across Europe.
Morphological Features
The Catacoeloceras confectum ammonite has distinctive and attractive features that set it apart from related species:
- Shell form: Evolute coiling, with inner whorls visible and clearly defined.
- Ribbing: Strong, frequent ribs crossing the flanks and continuing over the venter.
- Whorl profile: Rounded and robust, creating a balanced, sturdy appearance.
- Sutures: Detailed suture lines, characteristic of the Dactylioceratidae.
- Ornamentation: Bold ribbing gives the fossil an impressive visual impact, making it desirable both scientifically and aesthetically.
These morphological traits not only aid in classification but also enhance its value as a display specimen.
Stratigraphy and Biozone Importance
Catacoeloceras confectum is an important ammonite species used in Toarcian ammonite zonation. Its presence in the Middle Toarcian layers of Ispagnac provides reliable data for correlating marine deposits across France and beyond. Fossils of this type are significant for refining the Jurassic timescale and understanding ammonite diversity during the Toarcian.
Collector and Scientific Value
This ammonite appeals to multiple audiences:
- Collectors will admire its bold ribbing, well-preserved structure, and provenance from Ispagnac, a key fossil locality.
- Researchers and educators prize it as an index fossil and a representation of Middle Toarcian ammonite faunas.
- For display, its aesthetic form and scientific importance make it an ideal centrepiece in any fossil collection.
Authenticity and Guarantee
All of our fossils are responsibly sourced and are 100% genuine specimens. This Catacoeloceras confectum fossil ammonite has been carefully chosen for its quality and authenticity. Every purchase is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, giving you full assurance of its provenance.
Key Information at a Glance
- Fossil Type: Ammonite
- Species: Catacoeloceras confectum
- Geological Age: Middle Toarcian, Jurassic (~178–174 million years old)
- Locality: Ispagnac, Lozère, France
- Family: Dactylioceratidae
- Order: Ammonitida
- Condition: Natural fossil with strong ribbing and excellent preservation
- Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity
This Catacoeloceras confectum ammonite fossil from Ispagnac, Lozère, France is both scientifically significant and visually impressive, making it a superb addition for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Jurassic palaeontology.





Reviews
There are no reviews yet.