Gerastos trilobite fossil – genuine devonian arthropod – morocco – ancient marine invertebrate – certificate of authenticity

Description

For sale is a genuine Gerastos sp. trilobite fossil, carefully prepared and selected from the Devonian deposits of Morocco. This beautiful specimen showcases the distinct morphology of trilobites from this period, making it an excellent addition for collectors, educational displays, or anyone fascinated by the prehistoric oceans.

Geological Context:

The specimen originates from Devonian-aged strata, dating to approximately 395 to 390 million years ago, during a time often referred to as the “Age of Fishes.” While vertebrate life was flourishing in the seas and starting to appear on land, trilobites such as Gerastos remained dominant players in the marine ecosystems. The fossil comes from the famous Maïder Basin region in Morocco, a site celebrated for producing some of the world’s most well-preserved trilobite fossils.

Fossil Type and Species Information:

• Genus: Gerastos
• Class: Trilobita
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Age: Devonian Period (~395–390 million years ago)
• Location: Morocco (exact locality: often from the Maïder Basin region or near Erfoud)
• Type: Extinct marine arthropod (benthic, bottom-dwelling)

Gerastos is a small, compact trilobite with a rounded cephalon (head) and well-defined glabella (the central lobe of the head). Its well-segmented thorax and pygidium (tail) are often preserved with stunning detail, especially in Moroccan specimens. These trilobites are frequently found enrolled—a defensive behaviour much like modern pill bugs or armadillos, which helped protect their softer ventral side from predators.

Trilobites – A Window into Prehistoric Life:

Trilobites were among the earliest arthropods, and Gerastos is a shining example of their diversity. Trilobites lived exclusively in marine environments, and their fossils are found on every continent, making them a vital index fossil for geologists and paleontologists. Their name, “trilobite,” refers to the three longitudinal lobes that divide their body structure—central (axial) and two side lobes (pleural).

Trilobite fossils are found in various preservation states, but complete specimens like this one—featuring head (cephalon), body (thorax), and tail (pygidium)—are far more desirable.

Key Features of This Fossil:

• 100% genuine Gerastos sp. trilobite
• From the Devonian period – approx. 395–390 million years old
• Collected from Moroccan fossil beds, a world-renowned trilobite locality
• Excellent preservation with clear segmentation and exoskeletal features
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Carefully chosen from the actual fossil shown in the photos
• Scale cube = 1cm – full sizing viewable in the image

Ideal for:

• Fossil collectors
• Educational and classroom use
• Museum-quality displays
• Natural history lovers
• Unique gifts for science enthusiasts

Add a fascinating piece of Earth’s deep history to your collection today—this authentic Gerastos trilobite fossil offers a glimpse into life over 390 million years ago in the ancient seas of the Paleozoic!