Rare Forresteria reeside Ammonite Fossil Coniacian Cretaceous Menabe Madagascar Authentic Certified Fossil

Description

Rare Forresteria reeside Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a rare Forresteria reeside ammonite fossil, dating from the Coniacian Stage of the Cretaceous period, collected in the world-renowned fossil beds of Menabe, Madagascar. This specimen represents one of the distinctive ammonite genera of the Late Cretaceous seas, notable for its robust shell form and strong ribbing. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate measurement. Every fossil we supply is a 100% genuine specimen and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Context

The Coniacian Stage (approximately 89.8–86.3 million years ago) is part of the early Late Cretaceous, a time when global sea levels were extremely high and vast shallow marine environments covered much of Madagascar and Africa. These conditions supported a diverse marine fauna, including ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles. The Menabe region of Madagascar is one of the most important Coniacian localities in the world, yielding exceptionally preserved ammonites such as Forresteria reeside. Specimens from this area are highly sought after for their quality, rarity, and contribution to scientific research.

Taxonomy and Classification

Forresteria reeside belongs to the genus Forresteria, within the family Collignoniceratidae, superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. The Collignoniceratidae are characterised by their bold ornamentation, stout shells, and diagnostic ribbing patterns, which make them easily identifiable and extremely valuable in stratigraphic studies. Forresteria is especially important in Coniacian biostratigraphy, with reeside being a key species used to define ammonite zones and refine the stratigraphic framework of the Late Cretaceous.

Morphological Features

The shell of Forresteria reeside is typically stout and robust, with moderately involute whorls. Strong, well-defined ribs cross the flanks and often terminate in prominent tubercles or nodules along the venter. This bold ornamentation gives the ammonite a striking, sculptured appearance, while also serving as a diagnostic feature for identification. The overall morphology of Forresteria reflects adaptations to the open marine environment of the Coniacian seas, and the preserved details of this specimen highlight these evolutionary traits beautifully.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Ammonites like Forresteria reeside are crucial to biostratigraphy, as their restricted stratigraphic range and distinctive features make them excellent index fossils for the Coniacian Stage. They enable geologists to correlate rock layers across continents and reconstruct the geological history of the Late Cretaceous seas. For collectors, specimens from Madagascar hold special significance because of their exceptional preservation and provenance from a globally recognised fossil site. A fossil of this quality offers both scientific value and strong aesthetic appeal, making it a superb addition to any ammonite collection.

Provenance and Authenticity

This specimen was collected in the Menabe region of Madagascar, one of the premier fossil localities for Coniacian ammonites. Each fossil we supply is carefully selected and guaranteed authentic. Every piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity to ensure confidence in its provenance and scientific accuracy. Secure professional packaging ensures safe delivery so your fossil arrives in excellent condition.

This is a rare Forresteria reeside ammonite fossil from the Coniacian of Madagascar, combining rarity, striking morphology, and scientific importance. A remarkable specimen for any serious collector of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or natural history treasures.