Hollardops mesocristata Fossil Trilobite Morocco Devonian Eifelian Timrhanrhart Formation COA

Description

Hollardops mesocristata Fossil Trilobite – Devonian, Eifelian Stage, Timrhanrhart Formation, El Ahhsr, Foum Zguid

This superb Hollardops mesocristata fossil trilobite originates from the Timrhanrhart Formation near El Ahhsr in the Foum Zguid region of Morocco, an area renowned worldwide for producing some of the highest-quality Devonian trilobite specimens. Dating to the Eifelian stage of the Middle Devonian (approximately 393–388 million years ago), this species represents a beautifully preserved example of ancient marine life from a time when North Africa lay beneath warm, shallow equatorial seas. The fossil shown in the listing photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully selected for its clarity, natural detail, and collector-grade presentation. As always, all our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Background – The Timrhanrhart Formation, Foum Zguid

The Timrhanrhart Formation is one of Morocco’s most important Devonian fossil-bearing sequences. During the Eifelian, this area was part of a broad continental shelf system on the northern margin of Gondwana. The marine conditions were warm, stable, and rich in nutrients, supporting a diverse ecosystem of trilobites, brachiopods, corals, and other invertebrates.

The sedimentary environment here consisted primarily of fine-grained limestones and compacted mudstones. These layers accumulated slowly in relatively calm waters, which allowed delicate exoskeletal features to be preserved in exceptional detail. Fossils from this formation frequently exhibit strong three-dimensional relief due to the natural compaction and mineralisation processes that occurred during burial. This geological setting continues to be of great scientific significance, helping palaeontologists study Middle Devonian biodiversity and evolutionary trends.

Scientific Classification and Morphology of Hollardops mesocristata

Hollardops mesocristata belongs to the Order Phacopida, Superfamily Acastoidea, and Family Acastidae. Trilobites of this group are celebrated for their distinctive morphological traits, including large schizochroal eyes, robust axial rings, and well-defined thoracic segments that articulate in an elegant, streamlined form.

One of the hallmarks of Hollardops species is their large, forward-facing compound eyes, which consist of numerous calcite lenses arranged to provide excellent visual coverage. These eyes are often beautifully preserved, giving a vivid sense of the animal’s sensory capabilities. The thorax typically displays eleven segments, each with well-developed pleural spines that create a striking silhouette. The cephalon is rounded and ornamented with subtle nodules and sculptural features, while the pygidium is broad and smoothly contoured.

Hollardops mesocristata is especially admired for its symmetry, pronounced segmentation, and high-quality preservation—traits that make it both scientifically valuable and aesthetically appealing to collectors.

Palaeoenvironment and Depositional Setting

During the Eifelian, the region that is now southern Morocco was characterised by shallow marine platforms influenced by periodic sea-level changes. These environments supported thriving trilobite populations. Hollardops likely lived on or near the seabed, using its articulated body to navigate soft marine substrates and scavenge for food.

The slow, steady accumulation of fine sediment in the Timrhanrhart Formation gently buried deceased organisms, promoting the long-term preservation of their exoskeletons. Over millions of years, mineral replacement solidified these structures into the detailed fossils we recover today.

A Premium Collector’s Fossil

This Hollardops mesocristata specimen is an exceptional choice for collectors of trilobites, natural history pieces, or scientifically significant fossils. Its strong relief, striking morphological detail, and renowned geological origin make it a centrepiece specimen suited for display, study, or gifting.

Please refer to the listing photographs for full sizing information. The fossil shown is the exact piece you will receive. Each specimen is carefully chosen for quality, authenticity, and natural beauty. Every fossil we supply is a 100% genuine specimen and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring full confidence in its provenance and scientific value.