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Orthoceras fossil – devonian nautiloid cephalopod – 400 million years old – morocco – genuine fossil with certificate of authenticity

Orthoceras fossil – devonian nautiloid cephalopod – 400 million years old – morocco – genuine fossil with certificate of authenticity

Original price was: £10.80.Current price is: £9.72.

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

 

Species: Orthoceras

Genus: Nautiloid Cephalopod

Age: Devonian

Location: Morocco

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 40 x 27 x 8mm (1.57 x 1.06 x 0.31 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)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9771 Category:

Description

Own a Real Piece of Ancient Ocean History!

This authentic Orthoceras fossil is a stunning remnant of Earth’s prehistoric seas, dating back over 400 million years to the Devonian Period. Belonging to the class of nautiloid cephalopods, Orthoceras—meaning “straight horn”—is named after its iconic elongated, straight conical shell, which is the preserved part found in fossil form today.

Orthoceras were early ancestors of modern-day squid, octopus, and cuttlefish. These intelligent and agile marine creatures roamed the shallow seas of the Paleozoic era and had the ability to move vertically in the water column by regulating gas pressure in their internal chambers. The siphuncle, a central tube running the length of the shell, helped them adjust their buoyancy.

As Orthoceras grew, it would build new chambers for its body, walling off the old ones with septa—creating a beautifully segmented internal structure that is often visible in polished specimens.

Fossil Information:

  • Species: Orthoceras
  • Genus: Nautiloid Cephalopod
  • Age: Devonian Period (~400 million years ago)
  • Location Found: Morocco
  • Condition: Natural fossil, hand-selected and polished for display
  • Scale Reference: 1cm cube – see photo for exact sizing

Why This Fossil Is Special:

  • 100% Genuine Fossil – Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Scientifically Significant – Represents one of the oldest known cephalopod genera
  • Great for Education & Display – A striking addition to any fossil collection or classroom
  • Ideal Gift for Fossil Lovers & Science Enthusiasts

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

The image shows the exact fossil specimen you will receive. It has been carefully hand-selected and professionally photographed to ensure transparency and quality. Please note that dimensions are approximate, especially for naturally irregular shapes. Colours may vary depending on lighting conditions (sunlight vs indoor lighting) and device screens.

Once this item is sold, the listing will be refreshed with a new, similarly selected fossil and photo.

Explore the Ancient Seas – Take Home an Authentic Orthoceras Fossil Today!

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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