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Enrolled Reedops Fossil Trilobite – Devonian – Morocco – Genuine Specimen with Certificate

£25.20

Enrolled Fossil Trilobite – Reedops sp.

Devonian Period (~393–388 million years ago)

Discovered in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Taxonomic Classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Trilobita
  • Order: Phacopida
  • Family: Acastidae
  • Genus: Reedops
  • Formally described by Struve in 1970

Geology and Stratigraphic Context:

  • Geological Period: Middle Devonian
  • Stage: Eifelian to early Givetian
  • Depositional Formation: El Otfal Formation (or equivalent Devonian marine platform limestone/shale)
  • Locality: Anti-Atlas Mountains, near Alnif or Erfoud, Morocco
  • Depositional Environment: Warm, shallow epicontinental seas with abundant benthic marine life. The fine-grained sediment favoured detailed preservation.
  • Biozone: Polygnathus costatusM. hercynicus conodont zones may apply, though trilobite-based zonation is less commonly used in Moroccan localities.

Morphological Features:

  • Reedops is characterised by its broad, domed cephalon (head) and large, well-developed schizochroal compound eyes
  • The trilobite is found in a natural enrolled position, typical of its defensive behaviour against predators
  • Segmented thorax with clearly defined pleural lobes and smooth to lightly pustulated surface texture
  • Pygidium (tail) is rounded and well-formed, completing the classic Phacopid profile
  • Often confused with Phacops, but Reedops has a distinct, more globular glabella and often better defined pygidial features

Palaeontological Significance:

  • Reedops represents an important genus in understanding mid-Devonian Phacopid evolution
  • The enrolment posture reveals behavioural responses to predation and environmental stressors
  • The genus shows notable diversity and preservation in Moroccan strata, making it a staple for palaeontological studies and private collections

Specimen Description:

  • You are purchasing a genuine enrolled Reedops trilobite from Morocco
  • Carefully chosen for display quality, with key morphological features visible and professionally prepped
  • Scale rule / cube = 1cm – Please refer to the photo for full sizing details
  • This is the exact specimen you will receive – not a stock photo
  • 100% genuine and backed by our Certificate of Authenticity

Provenance and Guarantee:

  • From the world-famous Devonian trilobite beds of Morocco
  • Sourced ethically and prepared by highly skilled local technicians
  • Every fossil is inspected and approved for scientific accuracy and display appeal
  • Comes from a curated collection, ideal for enthusiasts, educational use, or natural history displays

Summary:

This enrolled Reedops trilobite is a stunning and scientifically significant fossil from the Devonian period. With its distinct morphology, excellent preservation, and natural defensive posture, it is a perfect example of ancient marine arthropod adaptation. A superb piece for collectors, educators, or lovers of Earth’s deep history.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: SF0337 Category:

Description

Enrolled Fossil Trilobite – Reedops sp.

Devonian Period (~393–388 million years ago)

Discovered in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Taxonomic Classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Trilobita
  • Order: Phacopida
  • Family: Acastidae
  • Genus: Reedops
  • Formally described by Struve in 1970

Geology and Stratigraphic Context:

  • Geological Period: Middle Devonian
  • Stage: Eifelian to early Givetian
  • Depositional Formation: El Otfal Formation (or equivalent Devonian marine platform limestone/shale)
  • Locality: Anti-Atlas Mountains, near Alnif or Erfoud, Morocco
  • Depositional Environment: Warm, shallow epicontinental seas with abundant benthic marine life. The fine-grained sediment favoured detailed preservation.
  • Biozone: Polygnathus costatusM. hercynicus conodont zones may apply, though trilobite-based zonation is less commonly used in Moroccan localities.

Morphological Features:

  • Reedops is characterised by its broad, domed cephalon (head) and large, well-developed schizochroal compound eyes
  • The trilobite is found in a natural enrolled position, typical of its defensive behaviour against predators
  • Segmented thorax with clearly defined pleural lobes and smooth to lightly pustulated surface texture
  • Pygidium (tail) is rounded and well-formed, completing the classic Phacopid profile
  • Often confused with Phacops, but Reedops has a distinct, more globular glabella and often better defined pygidial features

Palaeontological Significance:

  • Reedops represents an important genus in understanding mid-Devonian Phacopid evolution
  • The enrolment posture reveals behavioural responses to predation and environmental stressors
  • The genus shows notable diversity and preservation in Moroccan strata, making it a staple for palaeontological studies and private collections

Specimen Description:

  • You are purchasing a genuine enrolled Reedops trilobite from Morocco
  • Carefully chosen for display quality, with key morphological features visible and professionally prepped
  • Scale rule / cube = 1cm – Please refer to the photo for full sizing details
  • This is the exact specimen you will receive – not a stock photo
  • 100% genuine and backed by our Certificate of Authenticity

Provenance and Guarantee:

  • From the world-famous Devonian trilobite beds of Morocco
  • Sourced ethically and prepared by highly skilled local technicians
  • Every fossil is inspected and approved for scientific accuracy and display appeal
  • Comes from a curated collection, ideal for enthusiasts, educational use, or natural history displays

Summary:

This enrolled Reedops trilobite is a stunning and scientifically significant fossil from the Devonian period. With its distinct morphology, excellent preservation, and natural defensive posture, it is a perfect example of ancient marine arthropod adaptation. A superb piece for collectors, educators, or lovers of Earth’s deep history.

Additional information

Era

Devonian

Origin

Morocco

Devonian Information

The Devonian Period (419–359 million years ago), known as the "Age of Fishes," was a time of major evolutionary advances in both marine and terrestrial life. The oceans were dominated by armored placoderm fish, early sharks, and lobe-finned fish like Tiktaalik, which had features that helped vertebrates transition to land. Coral reefs flourished, and ammonites became more diverse. On land, the first forests appeared, with early trees like Archaeopteris, leading to a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate cooling. The first tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates) began evolving from fish, marking a critical step in the evolution of amphibians. The period ended with the Devonian extinction, likely caused by ocean anoxia and climate shifts, wiping out many marine species and reshaping ecosystems.

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