Description
A stunning and rare fossil of Bostrychoceras indicum, a distinctive heteromorph ammonite from the Lower Campanian stage of the Cretaceous period, originating from the Menabe region of Madagascar. This authentic fossil is a remarkable specimen with classic uncoiled helical morphology, representing a unique branch of ammonite evolution.
Fossil Overview:
- Species: Bostrychoceras indicum
- Fossil Type: Heteromorph Ammonite
- Geological Age: Cretaceous, Lower Campanian (~83 to 72 million years ago)
- Formation/Location: Menabe Region, Madagascar
- Size Reference: Scale cube = 1cm — see photos for full measurements
- Authenticity: 100% Genuine Fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
- Image Note: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photograph
Scientific Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
- Family: Nostoceratidae
- Genus: Bostrychoceras
- Species: Bostrychoceras indicum
- Formally Described by: Forbes, 1846
Geological & Depositional Context:
The fossil originates from Campanian-aged marine sedimentary deposits in western Madagascar. During the Late Cretaceous, this area was submerged under a warm, shallow sea that supported diverse marine life including ammonites, bivalves, marine reptiles, and other cephalopods. The Menabe Basin is renowned for preserving exceptionally well-detailed ammonite fossils with both scientific and aesthetic value.
Depositional environments in this region ranged from offshore marine shelf settings to nearshore environments, contributing to varied preservation styles. This specific specimen shows remarkable three-dimensional preservation typical of the Bostrychoceras genus.
Morphology & Notable Features:
- Characteristic loosely coiled spiral shell, sometimes taking on a helical or hook-like shape
- The shell often features fine ribbing, occasional tubercles or spines, and a complex suture pattern
- A striking example of heteromorph ammonite evolution, believed to impact buoyancy and mobility differently than typical planispiral ammonites
- Bostrychoceras indicum stands out due to its ornamented whorls and unconventional shell geometry, highly sought after in palaeontological collections
Why This Fossil is Special:
- Rare species in superb preservation
- Sourced ethically from Madagascar’s fossil-rich Cretaceous deposits
- Captures a transitional phase in ammonite evolutionary history
- Ideal for collectors, educators, or as a showcase centrepiece
- Guaranteed authentic with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Photo shows the exact specimen you will receive
Summary:
- Bostrychoceras indicum Fossil Ammonite
- Heteromorph form, uncoiled spiral
- Lower Campanian, Cretaceous (~80 million years ago)
- Found in Menabe, Madagascar
- Certificate of Authenticity included
- Scale shown is 1cm per cube/square
- Perfect for collectors, educational purposes, or natural history enthusiasts
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