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Orthoceras nautiloid fossil – genuine devonian cephalopod from morocco – straight horn shell – with certificate of authenticity

Orthoceras nautiloid fossil – genuine devonian cephalopod from morocco – straight horn shell – with certificate of authenticity

£13.20

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

Name: Orthoceras

Specimen: Nautiloid Cephalopod

Age: Devonian

Location: Morocco

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 143 x 105 x 24mm (5.63 x 4.13 x 0.94 inches)

Orthoceras, meaning “Straight Horn”, was a nautiloid cephalopod that lived more than 400 million years ago. Its name refers to the characteristic long, straight, conical shell these marine animals possessed. The soft body lived in the last open-ended segment at the large end of the conical shell, the preserved fossilised shell is all that remains of this ancestor of our modern-day squid. As the body grew and the housing segment became too small, a dividing wall, called the septa, grew to separate the old “home chamber” from the new one. The siphuncle is a tube that runs the entire length of the shell, through each of the chambers. 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)

Out of stock

SKU: FP9854 Category:

Description

This listing features a 100% genuine Orthoceras fossil from the Devonian Period, estimated to be over 400 million years old, found in Morocco. This extinct marine animal was part of the nautiloid cephalopod group and is a distant ancestor of modern-day squid and octopuses.

The name “Orthoceras” comes from the Greek for “Straight Horn,” a reference to the animal’s distinctive long, straight, conical shell. These cephalopods had a soft body that lived in the open chamber at the wide end of the shell. As the creature grew, it moved forward and sealed off the rear section with a wall called a septa. These chambers remained connected by a central tube called a siphuncle, which allowed the animal to control its buoyancy by regulating the gas and fluid within the chambers—an adaptation that enabled it to rise or sink in the water column.

In moments of danger, the Orthoceras could expel water forcefully, propelling itself backward as a quick means of escape—similar to the locomotion seen in modern squid.

Fossils like this offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric marine life. Their preserved shells are often polished to reveal stunning internal chamber patterns, making them popular among fossil collectors, educators, and natural history enthusiasts alike.

Item Details:

  • Name: Orthoceras
  • Specimen: Nautiloid Cephalopod
  • Age: Devonian Period (~400 million years ago)
  • Location Found: Morocco
  • Scale Reference: Scale cube = 1cm (see photo for full sizing)
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included

ACTUAL AS SEEN: You will receive the exact specimen pictured. Every fossil is hand-selected and individually photographed to provide transparency and accuracy.

Please Note:

  • Some fossils may be propped for photography purposes.
  • Colours may vary depending on lighting, monitors, and devices.
  • Measurements are approximate due to the natural, irregular shape of fossils.
  • Once this specimen is sold, a new item will be listed with fresh photos and updated dimensions.

Authentic Natural History Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate Included

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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