RARE 5.5″ Euaspidoceras hirsutum Fossil Ammonite Kimmeridgian Jurassic Belgium – Genuine Authentic Prehistoric Marine Cephalopod with COA

Description

Rare and Exceptional Fossil Ammonite from Belgium

This listing presents a rare 5.5-inch Euaspidoceras hirsutum fossil ammonite from the Kimmeridgian stage of the Late Jurassic period, discovered in the rich fossil-bearing deposits of Belgium. A carefully chosen specimen, it has been selected for its outstanding preservation, distinctive morphological features, and overall aesthetic appeal. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, allowing you to see its remarkable detail before purchase.

Geological Age & Formation

Euaspidoceras hirsutum lived during the Kimmeridgian stage of the Late Jurassic, approximately 157.3 to 152.1 million years ago. During this time, the region that is now Belgium was part of a shallow epicontinental sea, teeming with marine life. Fine sedimentation in these calm waters created the perfect conditions for preserving ammonite shells in exquisite detail. This specimen comes from marine strata that are world-renowned for producing beautifully preserved cephalopods with visible ribbing, tubercles, and complete shell whorls.

Species Identification & Morphology

Belonging to the family Aspidoceratidae, within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and order Ammonitida, Euaspidoceras hirsutum is easily recognisable for its robust, evolute shell and strong ribbing. The whorls are ornamented with pronounced tubercles—small, rounded projections that likely served both structural and possibly hydrodynamic purposes. The ribs radiate from the umbilicus and continue uninterrupted across the flanks, giving the shell a strikingly ornate appearance. The suture lines are complex and well-defined, typical of the Aspidoceratidae, and this specimen preserves them with clarity.

Notable Collector Qualities

• Size: Approximately 5.5 inches in diameter (see scale cube in photos, 1 cm squares for reference).
• Preservation: Excellent preservation with sharp ribbing, distinct tubercles, and clean suture lines.
• Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Display-Ready: A visually striking fossil suitable for museum-quality display or as the centrepiece of a private collection.
• Rarity: Euaspidoceras hirsutum from Belgium is less common on the open market, increasing its desirability among collectors.

Paleoenvironment & Scientific Significance

During the Kimmeridgian, Euaspidoceras hirsutum inhabited warm, shallow seas alongside a variety of other ammonites, bivalves, belemnites, and marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. As a fast-moving nektonic predator, it likely fed on small crustaceans and mollusks, using its tentacles to grasp prey and its beak-like jaws to break shells. The coiled shell’s chambered interior, known as the phragmocone, allowed precise buoyancy control via gas and fluid regulation, enabling it to move efficiently through the water column.

The Aspidoceratidae family, to which Euaspidoceras belongs, is notable for its highly ornamented shells and rapid evolutionary turnover, making them important index fossils for biostratigraphic dating within the Late Jurassic. This species in particular is associated with specific Kimmeridgian biozones, aiding paleontologists in correlating rock layers across different geographic regions.

A Standout Addition for Any Collection

This ammonite is more than just a fossil—it is a tangible piece of Earth’s prehistoric history, preserved for over 150 million years. Its combination of scientific value, aesthetic appeal, and rarity makes it a perfect acquisition for seasoned collectors, geology enthusiasts, educational institutions, or as a unique natural history gift.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive.