Description
CIRCOpeltis baicheri Regular Echinoid Fossil – Ypresian Stage, Early Eocene, Antugnac, France
This well-preserved fossil specimen is a rare Circopeltis baicheri, a regular echinoid (sea urchin) that lived during the Ypresian stage of the Early Eocene, approximately 56 to 47.8 million years ago. Found in the renowned marine fossil beds of Antugnac, southern France, this specimen exemplifies the morphological diversity and beauty of post-Paleocene echinoids.
Fossil Type & Species:
- Type: Invertebrate Fossil (Regular Echinoid/Sea Urchin)
- Species: Circopeltis baicheri
- Phylum: Echinodermata
- Class: Echinoidea
- Order: Cidaroida (tentative placement)
- Family: Cidaridae or related regular echinoid lineage
- Described by: (Exact authority not formally cited; likely post-WWII paleontological records in European literature)
Geological & Stratigraphic Details:
- Location: Antugnac, Aude, Occitanie, France
- Formation: Ypresian marine marl and limestone beds
- Geological Stage: Ypresian (Early Eocene)
- Age: ~56–47.8 million years ago
- Depositional Environment: Warm, shallow marine environment with carbonate-rich mud and fine sediment ideal for the preservation of echinoids
- Biozone: Not specifically assigned; part of the broader Eocene echinoid-bearing beds of southern France
Morphology & Features: This Circopeltis baicheri specimen is noted for:
- Symmetrical, globular to slightly flattened test (sea urchin shell)
- Five distinct ambulacral zones with regularly spaced tubercles
- No visible spines attached, though tubercle positions are preserved
- Test diameter and surface ornamentation consistent with regular echinoid structure
- Preserved in light beige to grey tones, sometimes with original sediment matrix attached
Notable: Circopeltis is a lesser-known but scientifically relevant genus of regular echinoids from the Eocene of France. Specimens like baicheri are rarely seen outside academic collections. Their presence helps define biodiversity recovery and reef evolution in the early Paleogene after the K-Pg mass extinction.
Specimen Details:
- Origin: Antugnac, France
- Species: Circopeltis baicheri
- Fossil Type: Echinoid Shell (Regular Sea Urchin)
- Geological Stage: Ypresian, Early Eocene
- Size Reference: Scale rule square = 1cm (see photo for exact size)
- Note: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photograph
Authenticity & Quality: This fossil is professionally verified and 100% genuine. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. No restoration, casting, or enhancement has been applied.
Why Choose This Fossil? Ideal for:
- Fossil collectors and echinoderm enthusiasts
- Educational and teaching displays
- Early Paleogene marine life studies
- Decorative fossil art with scientific value
Shipping & Packaging: Fast, tracked shipping with secure, eco-conscious packaging. Each fossil is handled with expert care to ensure safe delivery.
Add a scientifically significant and visually elegant Circopeltis baicheri echinoid fossil to your collection from the beautiful marine beds of Antugnac, France.
All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
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