Fossil Bivalve Plicatula inflata Chalk Marl Cretaceous East Sussex UK with COA

Description

Authentic Fossil Bivalve – Plicatula inflata

This listing is for a genuine fossil bivalve, Plicatula inflata, from the Chalk Marl of the Cretaceous period, collected at Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK. This beautiful specimen dates back to approximately 100 million years ago (Albian–Cenomanian), during a time when warm, shallow seas covered much of southern England. Every detail of this fossil has been carefully preserved in the chalk marl matrix, offering an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of British natural history. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for size reference.

Geological Context

The Chalk Marl Formation in East Sussex represents a transitional deposit between the Gault Clay and the overlying Chalk. Formed in a shallow marine environment during the mid-Cretaceous, it records an ecosystem that thrived in warm, clear seas rich in plankton and benthic life. The presence of bivalves such as Plicatula inflata is a typical feature of these sediments, alongside ammonites, echinoids, and brachiopods.

Deposited during the Cretaceous period, the Chalk Marl is composed primarily of calcareous muds and marls that later lithified into fine-grained limestone. Its depositional environment provided excellent conditions for fossilisation, with rapid burial helping to preserve delicate shell structures in fine detail.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Order: Pectinida
• Superfamily: Plicatuloidea
• Family: Plicatulidae
• Genus: Plicatula
• Species: Plicatula inflata

Members of the genus Plicatula are sometimes referred to as “file clams” due to their ribbed and corrugated shells. Plicatula inflata is a distinct fossil species known from Cretaceous deposits in southern England, and it provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of Europe’s ancient shallow seas.

Morphological Features

This specimen shows the inflated, heavily ribbed shell that is characteristic of Plicatula inflata. The strong radial ornamentation across the shell surface gave the bivalve extra strength and protection against predators and turbulent currents. Its asymmetrical valves and sturdy hinge structure are also well-preserved, allowing collectors to appreciate its original biological design.

Plicatula inflata was a sessile filter feeder, attaching itself to hard substrates or lying in soft sediments, where it would have filtered plankton and organic particles from the seawater. The robust shell morphology reflects its adaptation to an environment subject to wave action and sediment movement.

Scientific and Collector Significance

This fossil is of particular importance for both collectors and researchers because:

• It represents a well-identified bivalve species from a well-known Cretaceous locality.
• The Chalk Marl Formation is a significant unit in European stratigraphy, and fossils from this context are important for understanding faunal assemblages and palaeoecology.
• Its preservation provides direct evidence of shell structure and morphology, making it useful for comparative studies of bivalve evolution.

For collectors, this fossil is especially appealing due to its clear locality and formation, providing traceable provenance and strong scientific value.

Provenance and Authenticity

Collected at Southernham Quarry Pit in East Sussex, this fossil comes from a locality that has long been recognised for its rich Cretaceous deposits. As with all specimens we sell, it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it is a genuine fossil. This is the exact specimen you will receive, selected for quality and completeness, with no artificial restoration.

This fossil bivalve Plicatula inflata from the Chalk Marl of East Sussex is a remarkable example of Britain’s rich geological heritage. Its age, scientific importance, and excellent preservation make it an exceptional piece for fossil enthusiasts, collectors, educators, or anyone with an appreciation of natural history.