Description
LEPTOTETRAGONITES honnoratianus Fossil Ammonite – Valanginian Stage, Early Cretaceous, Morocco
This rare and scientifically important fossil is a beautifully preserved specimen of Leptotetragonites honnoratianus, an extinct genus of fast-swimming, nektonic ammonites that lived during the Valanginian stage of the Early Cretaceous, approximately 139.8 to 132.9 million years ago. Recovered from the fossiliferous marine strata of Morocco, this specimen offers outstanding preservation and a window into early ammonite diversity.
Fossil Type & Species:
- Type: Invertebrate Fossil (Ammonite Shell)
- Species: Leptotetragonites honnoratianus
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
- Family: Lytoceratidae (or related Desmoceratidae, subject to classification)
- Described by: d’Orbigny, mid-19th century
Geological & Stratigraphic Details:
- Origin: Morocco (exact locality within Cretaceous marine platforms)
- Geological Stage: Valanginian (Early Cretaceous)
- Age: ~139.8–132.9 million years ago
- Depositional Environment: Open marine carbonate platform; calm shallow seas with soft sediment ideal for cephalopod fossilisation
- Biozone: Lower Cretaceous ammonite-bearing beds, specific zonation not formally assigned for this specimen
Morphology & Features: This Leptotetragonites honnoratianus specimen displays:
- Slender, planispiral coiling with compressed whorls
- Low umbilicus and smooth flanks, with some weak growth lines or fine striations
- Elegant tapering shape, designed for fast swimming in ancient seas
- Well-defined suture lines if polished or naturally exposed
- Fossilised in subtle hues of brown, tan, or grey depending on the local mineralisation
Notable: Leptotetragonites is a genus associated with more advanced swimming ammonites from the Lower Cretaceous. Its slender, streamlined shell reflects evolutionary adaptation to active marine life. Fossils from this genus are rarely offered to the public and are important for understanding early ammonite dispersal and morphology.
Specimen Details:
- Origin: Morocco
- Species: Leptotetragonites honnoratianus
- Fossil Type: Ammonite Shell (Invertebrate)
- Geological Stage: Valanginian, Early Cretaceous
- Size Reference: Scale rule square = 1cm (see photos for sizing accuracy)
- Note: The specimen shown in the listing photo is the exact one you will receive
Authenticity & Quality: This fossil is 100% genuine and carefully curated. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. No reconstruction or artificial colouring has been applied.
Why Choose This Fossil? A fine choice for:
- Advanced collectors of rare ammonites
- Students of Cretaceous marine life
- Fossil enthusiasts and natural history educators
- Decorative display or scientific reference piece
Shipping & Packaging: We provide secure, eco-conscious packaging and offer fast, tracked worldwide shipping. Your fossil will be safely wrapped to preserve its integrity during transit.
Add a sleek and scientifically intriguing ammonite to your fossil collection with this rare Leptotetragonites honnoratianus from Early Cretaceous Morocco.
All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
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