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Goniatite fossil – devonian marine cephalopod – authentic spiral shell from morocco – 100% genuine with certificate

Goniatite fossil – devonian marine cephalopod – authentic spiral shell from morocco – 100% genuine with certificate

Original price was: £21.60.Current price is: £19.44.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Specimen: Goniatite

Age: Devonian

Location: Morocco

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 48 x 35 x 6mm (1.89 x 1.38 x 0.24 inches)

Goniatite are Ammonoid Cephalopods that form the order Goniatida, derived from the more primitive Anarcestida during the Middle Devonian some 390 million years ago. Goniatites survived the Late Devonian extinction to flourish in the oceans during the Carboniferous and Permian only to become extinct at the end of the Permian some 139 million years later. The order of Goniatida belongs to the squidlike class, Cephalopoda, and the phylum molluscs, Mollusca.

These marine animals possessed tentacles, just like their modern-day relative the Squid, though unlike the squid Goniatites also possessed an external, coiled shell! This shell was divided into a series of hollow chambers linked by a tube, in life the animal could adjust the gas pressure in these chambers and so move up and down through the water. An open chamber at the front of the shell provided living space for the animal where, if felt threatened, it could release a jet of water propelling itself backwards which would have served as a very quick retreat!

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9687 Category:

Description

Available here is a genuine Goniatite fossil, a beautifully preserved marine cephalopod from the Devonian period, dating back approximately 390 million years. This particular specimen was unearthed in fossil-rich marine sediments of Morocco, a globally recognised location for Devonian marine fossils.

Goniatites belong to the extinct order Goniatida, which evolved from earlier anarcestid ammonoids. Despite surviving the Late Devonian extinction event, they eventually went extinct at the end of the Permian, after a successful evolutionary run of around 139 million years.

These animals were part of the squid-like class Cephalopoda, and while related to modern squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish, Goniatites are distinctive for their coiled external shells. The shell was divided into hollow chambers connected by a siphuncle (a tube-like structure). By adjusting gas and fluid within these chambers, the animal could control its buoyancy, allowing it to move vertically through the water column.

The open final chamber at the front of the shell was the living chamber, where the animal resided. When threatened, it could rapidly expel water to jet-propel itself backward—a feature that enhanced its ability to evade predators.

Geological Context: This specimen comes from Devonian marine limestone in Morocco. Around 390 million years ago, the region now known as North Africa was covered by shallow seas teeming with early marine life, including trilobites, corals, brachiopods, and ammonoid cephalopods like this Goniatite.

Key Details:

  • Specimen: Goniatite (Ammonoid Cephalopod)
  • Order: Goniatida
  • Age: Middle to Late Devonian (~390 million years ago)
  • Location Found: Morocco
  • Fossil Type: External shell with coiled spiral morphology
  • Condition: Naturally preserved, may be partially polished
  • Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Scale: See 1cm cube in the image for accurate size reference
  • Photo: The exact specimen you will receive is shown

ACTUAL AS SEEN: Each fossil is hand-selected for quality and photographed individually. Colour and tone may vary slightly depending on lighting and device settings. Measurements are approximate due to natural variation in shape.

Listing Photo Notice:

  • Listing photo will update to a new specimen when this item is sold.
  • Saved basket items may display the updated photo after relisting.
  • Please save or screenshot the photo at time of purchase for reference.

Scientific & Decorative Value: Goniatites are among the earliest ammonoid cephalopods and represent an important evolutionary step in marine life history. Their intricate shell structure, age, and scientific importance make them excellent for educational purposes, fossil displays, and collector pieces.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Fast & Secure Shipping – Carefully packed to ensure your fossil arrives safely.

Bring a piece of ancient ocean life into your home with this authentic Devonian Goniatite fossil from Morocco.

 

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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