Rare Acanthoceras jukesbrowni Fossil Ammonite Middle Cenomanian Cretaceous Sussex UK – Genuine Collector Specimen with COA

Description

Rare Acanthoceras jukesbrowni Fossil Ammonite from Sussex, UK

This Acanthoceras jukesbrowni fossil ammonite is a highly desirable specimen from the Middle Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous Period, sourced from the famous chalk deposits of Sussex, United Kingdom. Known for their bold ornamentation and distinctive tubercles, members of the genus Acanthoceras are sought after by both collectors and palaeontologists for their beauty and scientific significance. The specimen pictured is the exact one you will receive, carefully selected for its quality preservation, display appeal, and geological importance.

Geological Age and Origin

Dating back approximately 98–95 million years, this ammonite lived during the Middle Cenomanian, a time when much of southern England was submerged beneath a warm, shallow epicontinental sea. The fine-grained chalk beds in which it was preserved were formed from the accumulation of microscopic calcareous plankton known as coccolithophores. These deposits, now exposed in the cliffs and quarries of Sussex, are world-renowned for producing exceptionally preserved marine fossils.

The Cenomanian seas connected to the greater Tethys Ocean provided ideal conditions for ammonites to flourish. The rapid burial of their shells in soft chalk sediment created a natural archive of marine life from this period.

Scientific Classification

• Species: Acanthoceras jukesbrowni
• Family: Acanthoceratidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Geological Stage: Middle Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous

This species was an active nektonic predator, feeding on small crustaceans, molluscs, and other marine invertebrates. As an index fossil, Acanthoceras jukesbrowni is invaluable to geologists for correlating Middle Cenomanian deposits across Europe and beyond.

Morphological Features

This specimen exhibits the classic characteristics of the species:

• Strong radial ribbing extending from the umbilicus to the outer whorl.
• Prominent ventrolateral tubercles along the shoulder of the shell, giving it a robust, armoured appearance.
• Evolute coiling, with earlier whorls visible and distinct.
• Excellent preservation of surface ornamentation, allowing close inspection of fine structural detail.

These features make the fossil both a visually striking display piece and a scientifically valuable record of Cretaceous marine life.

Depositional Environment

The habitat of Acanthoceras jukesbrowni was part of a warm, nutrient-rich marine ecosystem that supported a diverse array of organisms, including belemnites, bony fish, sharks, marine reptiles, and other ammonite genera. These ammonites were free-swimming predators, using their tentacles to capture prey while navigating the open water column. After death, their shells drifted to the sea floor, where they were quickly buried in soft sediment, protecting them from damage and allowing for exquisite preservation.

Collector Appeal and Display Value

This specimen’s combination of excellent preservation, distinct species identification, and origin from a classic British fossil locality make it an outstanding addition to any fossil collection. Its size, symmetry, and detailed ornamentation make it an eye-catching display piece that also holds academic significance for those interested in Cretaceous palaeontology.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Acanthoceras jukesbrowni fossil has been carefully chosen to meet the highest standards for quality and authenticity, ensuring it will be treasured for generations.