Douvilleiceras Ammonite Fossil Cretaceous Madagascar Natural Specimen Genuine Spiny Marine Cephalopod Display with COA

Douvilleiceras Ammonite Fossil – Cretaceous Period, Madagascar

This genuine Douvilleiceras ammonite fossil from Madagascar is a striking example of a spiny Cretaceous marine cephalopod preserved in natural form. Douvilleiceras is a well-known genus of ammonite from the Early Cretaceous, admired for its bold ribbing, pronounced tubercles, and classic coiled shell structure. Its dramatic ornamentation and symmetry make it a highly desirable collector’s fossil.

You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photographs. This fossil has been carefully chosen for its definition, overall preservation, and display presence. Full sizing is available in the listing photos. This is a genuine fossil specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

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Fossil Identification & Taxonomic Classification

Douvilleiceras belongs to the Class Cephalopoda, Subclass Ammonoidea, Order Ammonitida. It is placed within the Family Douvilleiceratidae, a group of strongly ornamented ammonites that flourished during the Early Cretaceous.

The genus Douvilleiceras was formally described in the 19th century and is widely recognised in paleontological literature for its distinctive morphology. These ammonites are frequently used in biostratigraphy due to their relatively restricted geological range and recognisable features.

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Geological Age & Stratigraphic Context

Douvilleiceras is most commonly associated with the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous, approximately 113 to 100.5 million years ago. During this time, Madagascar was part of the southern supercontinent Gondwana and was bordered by warm epicontinental seas.

Marine sedimentation in these shallow tropical waters allowed ammonite shells to settle onto soft seabeds after death. Rapid burial in fine sediments facilitated preservation, often retaining strong three-dimensional form and surface ornamentation.

Douvilleiceras species are considered useful index fossils for certain Albian biozones, helping geologists correlate marine strata across different regions.

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Morphology & Notable Features

Douvilleiceras ammonites are characterised by:

• A planispiral, evolute shell with visible inner whorls
• Strong, regular ribbing extending across the whorl surface
• Prominent tubercles or spines along the ribs
• A relatively wide umbilicus
• Rounded to moderately compressed whorl cross-section

The pronounced ribbing and tuberculation give Douvilleiceras its bold, sculptural appearance. These defensive or hydrodynamic shell features are key identifying traits of the genus and make it particularly attractive to collectors.

The suture patterns, although often subtle without magnification, reflect the complex internal septa that divided the shell into buoyancy-regulating chambers.

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Depositional Environment – Cretaceous Marine Seas

During the Early Cretaceous, Madagascar was surrounded by warm, shallow marine environments rich in invertebrate life. Ammonites such as Douvilleiceras were active nektonic predators, using jet propulsion to move through the water column.

Upon death, their shells descended to the seabed where they were gradually buried in carbonate and marl sediments. Over millions of years, mineralisation replaced the original shell material or preserved it as moulds and casts within the host rock.

Madagascar is internationally recognised for producing well-preserved Cretaceous ammonites with strong natural form and detail.

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Preservation & Collecting Appeal

Natural Douvilleiceras specimens are highly regarded for their combination of size, ornamentation, and symmetry. The strong ribbing and tubercles create an eye-catching display fossil suitable for collectors, educators, and natural history enthusiasts.

Each specimen is unique, with variations in rib strength, tubercle development, and preservation tone reflecting its geological history. The natural aesthetic and recognisable ammonite spiral make it an excellent centrepiece for a fossil collection or cabinet display.

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Authenticity & Presentation

• Genuine Douvilleiceras ammonite fossil
• Geological Age: Early Cretaceous (Albian Stage)
• Origin: Madagascar
• Order: Ammonitida
• Family: Douvilleiceratidae
• Distinctive ribbed and tuberculate shell morphology
• Exact specimen shown – you will receive this fossil
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
• Full sizing available in listing photographs

A striking Cretaceous ammonite fossil from Madagascar, showcasing the bold form and marine history of one of the Early Cretaceous’s most recognisable cephalopods.