Muniericeras bilottei Fossil Ammonite Santonian Cretaceous from Antrasira Madagascar COA

Description

Authentic Muniericeras bilottei Ammonite Fossil from Madagascar

This listing offers a genuine Muniericeras bilottei ammonite fossil from the Santonian stage of the Late Cretaceous, discovered in Antrasira, Madagascar. Dating back approximately 86–83 million years, this ammonite is an authentic relic from a time when warm shallow seas dominated much of the globe. The fossil you see in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. Every fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its genuineness and provenance.

Geological Context – The Santonian Stage

The Santonian stage represents a subdivision of the Upper Cretaceous, a time of high global sea levels, widespread chalk deposition, and rich marine biodiversity. During this interval, ammonites flourished in the warm epicontinental seas that covered parts of present-day Africa and Madagascar. Sedimentary deposits from Madagascar are particularly famous for preserving fossils in exceptional detail, providing both scientific insights and collectible specimens.

The seas of this period were home not only to ammonites but also to marine reptiles such as mosasaurs, abundant bivalves, echinoids, and fish. Ammonites such as Muniericeras bilottei played a vital ecological role as active swimmers and predators, forming part of the complex food chains of Cretaceous oceans.

Species Profile – Muniericeras bilottei

Muniericeras bilottei belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Desmoceratoidea, a group known for their varied shell morphologies and global distribution during the Cretaceous.

Characteristic features of this ammonite include:

• Shell Morphology: Strongly ribbed shell with prominent, well-spaced ribs extending across the flanks.
• Coiling: Planispiral and compressed, forming a neat, disc-like shape with a relatively narrow whorl section.
• Ornamentation: Distinct ribs that occasionally bifurcate, giving the fossil an attractive, sculpted appearance.
• Sutures: Complex suture patterns typical of the group, which help in precise species identification.

The robust ribbing and distinctive morphology make Muniericeras bilottei one of the more striking ammonites of the Santonian stage. Specimens from Madagascar are particularly prized by collectors due to their clarity of detail and excellent preservation.

Scientific and Educational Significance

Ammonites such as Muniericeras bilottei serve as biostratigraphic index fossils, meaning they help geologists date and correlate rock layers across different regions. This species provides important information about the marine environments of the Santonian stage and aids in reconstructing paleogeography.

Educationally, this fossil is ideal for teaching about evolution, extinction, and stratigraphy, demonstrating the complex life of ancient oceans. It also highlights the exceptional fossil record of Madagascar, one of the world’s richest sources of Cretaceous marine fossils.

Collector and Display Qualities

This Muniericeras bilottei ammonite is a highly desirable collector’s item due to its combination of rarity, scientific importance, and natural beauty. Its bold ribbing and elegant shell form ensure that it makes a striking display piece, while its well-documented provenance adds to its value.

• Origin: Antrasira, Madagascar
• Age: Santonian Stage, Late Cretaceous (approx. 86–83 million years old)
• Species: Muniericeras bilottei
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Guarantee: 100% genuine, supplied with Certificate of Authenticity

Authenticity and Guarantee

All fossils offered are 100% genuine specimens, carefully selected for their quality and accuracy of identification. This Muniericeras bilottei ammonite connects you directly to the ancient oceans of the Late Cretaceous and represents both a fascinating scientific specimen and a unique natural treasure.

Perfect for collectors, enthusiasts of natural history, or as a distinguished educational piece, this ammonite fossil captures the enduring beauty and mystery of Earth’s deep past.