RARE Valdedorsella Fossil Ammonite Lower Albian Cretaceous Colombia – Genuine Authentic Prehistoric Marine Cephalopod with Certificate

Description

Rare Lower Albian Ammonite from Colombia

This listing features a rare Valdedorsella fossil ammonite from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, discovered in the fossil-rich deposits of Mangyahlak, Colombia. Selected for its excellent preservation, fine ribbing, and attractive form, this specimen represents both a scientifically important and visually striking example of Cretaceous marine life. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and authenticity for collectors.

Geological Age & Formation

Valdedorsella lived approximately 113 to 110 million years ago during the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous. At that time, the region now known as northern Colombia lay beneath warm, tropical seas connected to the proto-Caribbean. These shallow marine environments were part of an extensive epicontinental sea system, rich in diverse invertebrate fauna. Sediments in Mangyahlak were typically fine-grained and calcareous, creating ideal conditions for the preservation of ammonites and other marine fossils.

Species Identification & Morphology

Belonging to the family Desmoceratidae within the superfamily Desmoceratoidea and order Ammonitida, Valdedorsella is characterised by its moderately involute shell, gently rounded whorls, and fine, regular ribbing. The ribs extend across the flanks and over the venter with little interruption, creating an elegant and symmetrical pattern.

The suture lines—intricate folded patterns marking the chamber boundaries—are clearly visible in well-preserved specimens, providing both taxonomic detail and aesthetic interest. The shell form indicates a nektonic lifestyle, optimised for active swimming in open marine waters.

Collector Highlights

• Preservation: Excellent, with clear ribbing, defined whorls, and visible sutures.
• Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Provenance: Mangyahlak, Colombia – Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous.
• Display Quality: Attractive specimen suitable for both display and scientific study.
• Rarity: Fossils from this locality are uncommon, and Valdedorsella is a distinctive genus valued by collectors worldwide.

Paleoenvironment & Scientific Importance

During the Lower Albian, Valdedorsella inhabited warm, shallow seas rich in planktonic and small nektonic prey. As a nektonic predator, it likely used jet propulsion to manoeuvre through the water, relying on its chambered phragmocone for buoyancy control. This allowed it to adjust its position in the water column for feeding and predator avoidance.

In paleontology, Valdedorsella is an important index fossil for Lower Albian marine strata. Its distinctive morphology and limited stratigraphic range make it useful for dating and correlating sedimentary layers across regions. Fossils from Mangyahlak contribute to understanding Early Cretaceous marine ecosystems in the proto-Caribbean and their faunal connections to other parts of the world.

A Striking and Scientifically Valuable Fossil

This Valdedorsella fossil ammonite combines exceptional preservation, rarity, and geological significance. Its provenance from the Mangyahlak deposits, coupled with its distinctive features, ensures it will stand out in any serious fossil collection, whether for educational purposes, research, or as a beautiful natural history display.

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.