RARE 5.5″ Taramelliceras nodosiosculum Fossil Ammonite Kimmeridgian Jurassic Italy – Genuine Authentic Prehistoric Marine Cephalopod

Description

Rare and Beautiful Fossil Ammonite from Italy

This listing features a rare 5.5-inch Taramelliceras nodosiosculum fossil ammonite from the Kimmeridgian stage of the Late Jurassic period, discovered in the fossil-rich marine deposits of Italy. This exceptional specimen was chosen for its superb preservation, intricate morphological features, and striking natural form. The photographs show the actual fossil you will receive, ensuring complete accuracy and transparency for your purchase.

Geological Age & Formation

Taramelliceras nodosiosculum lived approximately 157 to 152 million years ago during the Kimmeridgian stage of the Late Jurassic. At that time, much of present-day Italy was covered by shallow, warm epicontinental seas. These marine environments were ideal for preserving ammonite shells, as fine sediments quickly buried their remains, preventing decay and allowing exquisite fossilisation. The deposits in which this specimen was found are well known for yielding cephalopods with exceptional detail, making them highly sought after by collectors and paleontologists alike.

Species Identification & Morphology

Belonging to the family Aspidoceratidae, within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and order Ammonitida, Taramelliceras nodosiosculum is characterised by its robust, evolute shell with wide whorls and distinctive nodose ornamentation. The ribs are strong and rounded, often terminating in pronounced tubercles along the flanks. These features give the shell a textured, sculptural appearance and likely contributed to both hydrodynamic stability and structural strength. The suture lines, typical of the Aspidoceratidae, are complex and ornate, and this specimen preserves them in excellent clarity.

Notable Collector Qualities

• Size: Approximately 5.5 inches across (scale cube in photos = 1 cm squares for accurate measurement).
• Preservation: Crisp ribbing, well-defined tubercles, and clean suture patterns.
• Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Display Quality: This ammonite has the presence and detail to be the centrepiece of a collection or a striking addition to a decorative display.
• Rarity: Taramelliceras nodosiosculum is far less commonly encountered on the open market than many other Jurassic ammonites, making this specimen highly desirable.

Paleoenvironment & Scientific Importance

During the Kimmeridgian, the warm, shallow seas covering the region were teeming with life. Taramelliceras nodosiosculum was a nektonic predator, moving actively through the water column and feeding on smaller marine organisms such as crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates. Its chambered shell (phragmocone) allowed buoyancy control, enabling it to hover or move efficiently between depths.

The distinctive shell morphology of Taramelliceras makes it an important index fossil for correlating Kimmeridgian-aged strata in Europe. Its well-preserved ornamentation provides valuable insight into evolutionary trends within the Aspidoceratidae, as well as environmental adaptations to the Late Jurassic seas.

A Unique and Valuable Addition to Any Collection

This specimen is not only a piece of natural history but also a work of art crafted by nature over millions of years. With its scientific significance, striking visual appeal, and rarity, it is ideal for fossil collectors, geology enthusiasts, educators, 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.