Description
This listing is for a genuine fossil ammonite, Perisphinctes (Liosphinctes) apolipon, originating from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic (approximately 166–163 million years ago). Found in Belgium, this specimen is a carefully selected piece that highlights the characteristic features of this iconic ammonite species. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive. Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm – please refer to the images for full sizing details. Every specimen is 100% genuine and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for guaranteed confidence in your purchase.
Geological Context: Callovian Stage of the Jurassic
The Callovian stage is a key division of the Middle Jurassic, well known for the abundance and diversity of ammonites that flourished during this time. In Belgium, Callovian marine deposits consist of richly fossiliferous clays and marls that were laid down in shallow epicontinental seas connected to the Tethys Ocean. These environments provided excellent conditions for the preservation of marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, brachiopods, and bivalves.
Ammonites from the Callovian are especially important in stratigraphy because many species, including Perisphinctes apolipon, are used as index fossils. They allow paleontologists to date and correlate Jurassic rock layers across Europe, forming the backbone of Jurassic biostratigraphy.
The Species: Perisphinctes (Liosphinctes) apolipon
Perisphinctes (Liosphinctes) apolipon belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Perisphinctoidea, and family Perisphinctidae. Ammonites of this group are highly recognisable for their planispiral coiling and ornamented shells. The subspecies Liosphinctes represents a branch of the Perisphinctes lineage characterised by their distinctive ribbing, compressed whorls, and branching ornamentation.
The ribs on P. apolipon often bifurcate or trifurcate as they cross the whorl, creating a striking decorative appearance. These strong ribs provided both structural reinforcement and a taxonomic feature that allows scientists to identify this ammonite with confidence. Like other ammonites, Perisphinctes apolipon was a nektonic predator, swimming freely in Jurassic seas and feeding on small marine invertebrates.
Morphological and Scientific Features
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Perisphinctidae
- Genus and Species: Perisphinctes (Liosphinctes) apolipon
- Geological Stage: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166–163 Ma)
- Locality: Belgium
- Shell Traits: Strong ribbing, bifurcating ribs, compressed whorls, elegant planispiral form
- Scientific Importance: Index fossil used for Callovian biozones and stratigraphy
The combination of distinctive ribbing and compressed whorls makes this ammonite scientifically important, providing paleontologists with reliable data for correlating rock sequences across Europe.
Collector and Display Value
Ammonites are among the most popular and collectible fossils, and Perisphinctes apolipon is a highly desirable species due to both its striking appearance and its stratigraphic importance. The Belgian Callovian deposits that yield these ammonites are internationally renowned, making specimens from this locality especially prized.
This fossil combines aesthetic beauty with scientific value, offering collectors the chance to own a piece of Earth’s Jurassic past. Its ribbed shell and elegant coiling make it visually captivating, while its status as an index fossil underscores its importance in paleontological research.
All of our fossils are carefully selected for quality and authenticity. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring that your Perisphinctes (Liosphinctes) apolipon ammonite is a genuine and unique piece of natural history, perfect for display, education, or private collections.
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