Rare Pelekodites pelekus Ammonite Fossil from the Middle Bajocian Stage Jurassic of Madagascar

Description

Genuine Jurassic Ammonite from Madagascar

This specimen is a beautifully preserved Pelekodites pelekus ammonite fossil, dating to the Middle Bajocian stage of the Jurassic Period (around 170–168 million years ago). It comes from Madagascar, an island world-renowned for its exceptional fossil beds and mineral wealth. Every ammonite we offer is a carefully selected specimen, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its genuine scientific and collector value. The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive, complete with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing.

Geological Context

The Bajocian stage represents a key interval within the Middle Jurassic, notable for its thriving marine faunas. During this time, warm epicontinental seas covered much of the globe, creating rich habitats for ammonites and other marine organisms. The sediments in Madagascar that yield these fossils consist largely of marine limestones and shales, which provided excellent conditions for fossilisation. These deposits not only preserve ammonites like Pelekodites pelekus but also help reconstruct the paleogeography and climate of the Jurassic oceans.

Morphological Characteristics of Pelekodites pelekus

The genus Pelekodites, and particularly the species Pelekodites pelekus, belongs to the order Ammonitida within the superfamily Stephanoceratoidea. Ammonites of this type are characterised by their distinctive coiling and ribbing patterns, which are of high importance in taxonomic and stratigraphic studies. Key traits include:

• Moderately involute shells, where the inner whorls are partly covered by the outer whorls.
• Strong, sharp ribbing across the flanks, often bifurcating towards the outer edge.
• A pronounced keel along the venter, which may have assisted hydrodynamic stability while swimming.
• Well-defined sutures, showcasing the intricate complexity typical of Bajocian ammonites.

These features give Pelekodites pelekus both visual appeal for collectors and scientific significance for research.

Stratigraphic and Scientific Significance

Ammonites like Pelekodites are crucial as index fossils, enabling geologists to accurately date and correlate rock strata across wide geographic regions. The Middle Bajocian deposits of Madagascar are particularly valuable for paleontologists because they yield a diverse array of ammonite taxa that help refine the stratigraphy of the Jurassic worldwide. This makes specimens from this locality not only attractive for display but also important for academic study.

Collectible and Display Value

With its bold ribbing and characteristic Jurassic form, this Pelekodites pelekus ammonite fossil is a striking display piece that represents a fascinating chapter of Earth’s history. Its provenance from Madagascar, combined with its excellent preservation, makes it a desirable acquisition for collectors, educators, and museums alike. The natural beauty of its coiled form embodies the elegance of ammonites, creatures that once dominated the seas.

Key Details

• Species: Pelekodites pelekus
• Age: Middle Bajocian, Jurassic (~170–168 million years old)
• Location: Madagascar
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
• Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
• Photography: Actual specimen shown, scale cube = 1 cm

A Fascinating Jurassic Fossil

Owning this Pelekodites pelekus ammonite allows you to hold a genuine relic of the Middle Jurassic seas in your hands. Both scientifically important and aesthetically captivating, it is an outstanding addition to any fossil collection, connecting us directly with the rich marine ecosystems that flourished nearly 170 million years ago.

Scale cube = 1 cm. Please refer to photographs for full specimen sizing.