Fossil Bivalve Lyropecten arlesiensis Chalk Marl Cretaceous Southernham Quarry UK

Description

Authentic Fossil Bivalve – Lyropecten arlesiensis

This listing presents a genuine fossil bivalve, Lyropecten arlesiensis, from the Chalk Marl deposits of the Cretaceous period, collected at the renowned Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK. This carefully chosen specimen has been photographed to show the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing. As with all of our fossils, it is guaranteed authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context – Chalk Marl of the Cretaceous

The fossil originates from the Chalk Marl formation, a deposit of fine calcareous sediments dating to the Cretaceous period (approximately 100–90 million years ago). During this time, much of what is now southern England was submerged beneath warm, shallow seas. These seas provided ideal conditions for diverse marine life, with layers of soft chalk and marl accumulating and preserving countless marine organisms.

The Southernham Quarry Pit is a well-known fossil site within East Sussex, yielding significant specimens of bivalves, ammonites, echinoids, and other marine fauna. Fossils from this locality are highly regarded for both their preservation and their scientific value in reconstructing ancient marine ecosystems.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Order: Pectinida
• Superfamily: Pectinoidea
• Family: Pectinidae
• Genus: Lyropecten
• Species: Lyropecten arlesiensis

This genus is closely related to modern scallops and showcases many of the same defining traits. The fossil represents an ancient relative of these familiar bivalves, retaining distinctive shell features that aid in classification.

Morphological Features

The Lyropecten arlesiensis fossil displays:

• Fan-shaped shell morphology, characteristic of pectinid bivalves.
• Strong radial ribbing, which not only reinforced the shell but also gave it a distinctive visual appearance.
• Concentric growth lines, recording the stages of growth during the bivalve’s life.
• A structure adapted to a life as a semi-mobile epifaunal filter feeder, capable of repositioning itself on the seafloor.

Such features highlight the evolutionary lineage of scallop-like bivalves, showing adaptations that allowed them to thrive in dynamic marine environments.

Palaeoecology and Significance

Lyropecten arlesiensis lived as a suspension feeder, filtering plankton and organic particles from the water. Its presence in the Chalk Marl beds indicates a shallow marine depositional environment, rich in nutrients and capable of sustaining diverse communities of invertebrates.

As a member of the Pectinidae family, Lyropecten fossils are significant in understanding evolutionary trends among scallop-like bivalves. They also provide important palaeoenvironmental clues, as their abundance and distribution often correlate with specific ecological conditions of the Cretaceous seas.

Collecting and Display Value

This fossil represents both a scientific specimen and a visually appealing piece for collectors. Its distinctive ribbed shell form makes it an excellent display item, whether for a private fossil collection, a teaching specimen, or a natural history display. Fossils from Southernham Quarry are increasingly sought after, and this Lyropecten arlesiensis is an excellent example of a classic British fossil bivalve.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Species: Lyropecten arlesiensis
• Age: Cretaceous (Chalk Marl, approx. 100–90 million years old)
• Locality: Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK

Every fossil we sell is guaranteed authentic and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive, with accurate scale provided.

This fossil bivalve, Lyropecten arlesiensis, is an outstanding piece from the Chalk Marl deposits of East Sussex, offering both scientific insight and aesthetic appeal. It captures a moment in geological history when ancient seas covered Britain, preserving the marine life of the Cretaceous period in exquisite detail.