Catulloceras belophorum Ammonite Fossil Upper Toarcian Jurassic Bavaria Germany. | Mistelgau Genuine Fossil Collection Specimen

Description

Genuine Catulloceras belophorum Ammonite Fossil

This carefully selected fossil is a genuine Catulloceras belophorum ammonite from Mistelgau in Bavaria, Germany. It dates to the Upper Toarcian, the final part of the Lower Jurassic. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, allowing its natural form, preservation, colour, matrix and visible fossil detail to be examined before purchase. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing and scale.

Upper Toarcian Geology

The Toarcian Age lasted from approximately 182 to 174 million years ago. During its later part, much of central Europe lay beneath marine waters connected with the developing Tethys Ocean. Mud and other fine sediment accumulated on the seabed, preserving ammonites, belemnites, bivalves and diverse marine organisms.

The Toarcian was an interval of important environmental change involving variations in climate, sea level and ocean oxygenation. Ammonite lineages responded rapidly and produced a detailed evolutionary succession. This makes their fossils especially useful for recognising biozones and comparing rock layers between separate European localities.

Catulloceras belophorum

Catulloceras is an extinct ammonite genus within the order Ammonitida. Ammonites were marine cephalopods related to living squid, octopus and nautilus. Their coiled shells were divided internally into chambers. The animal occupied the outer body chamber, while sealed earlier chambers helped regulate buoyancy.

Identification of Catulloceras species considers shell coiling, whorl proportions, umbilical width, ribbing and the form of the outer margin. Catulloceras belophorum is a named Upper Toarcian form and contributes to understanding ammonite faunas near the end of the Early Jurassic. Its species identification, locality and age provide useful context beyond visual appearance alone.

Fossil preservation varies naturally. A specimen may retain original shell material, mineral replacement, an external impression or an internal mould formed when sediment entered the shell before burial. Matrix, worn surfaces, fractures and irregular edges record fossilisation, compaction and later exposure. These are authentic features of the specimen rather than manufactured defects.

Mistelgau, Bavaria

Mistelgau is a celebrated fossil locality near Bayreuth in northern Bavaria. Its Toarcian strata are renowned for ammonites and other marine fossils preserved within sediments traditionally associated with the German Lias. Scientific collecting and study have made the area important for documenting changing late Early Jurassic marine communities.

A Catulloceras ammonite from Mistelgau represents an extinct cephalopod that lived in a sea covering the region more than 170 million years ago. After death, burial on the seabed protected part of its shell long enough for mineralisation and fossilisation. Later geological uplift, erosion and excavation exposed the fossil-bearing rocks.

Actual Specimen for Collection or Display

You will receive the exact fossil shown in the photographs. Its named species, Upper Toarcian age and classic Bavarian provenance make it suitable for a specialist ammonite collection, geological study, educational display, natural-history cabinet or a distinctive German fossil gift. The photographs are the definitive guide to this individual specimen’s condition and appearance.

Certificate of Authenticity

The fossil includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card carrying a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. Handle it carefully and avoid soaking, harsh cleaning products, excessive humidity and sudden temperature changes. Display it on a stable support so natural edges, matrix and any exposed shell ornament remain protected.