Stiphothyris tumida Fossil Brachiopod – Bajocian – Inferior Oolite – Jurassic Dorset UK – Genuine with Certificate

Description

Stiphothyris tumida Fossil Brachiopod

Inferior Oolite, Bajocian Stage, Middle Jurassic – Dorset, United Kingdom

Species: Stiphothyris tumida

Order: Terebratulida

Superfamily: Terebratuloidea

Family: Zeilleriidae

Geological Stage: Bajocian (Middle Jurassic)

Formation: Inferior Oolite Group

Location: Dorset, United Kingdom

Age: ~170 million years ago

Scale Reference: 1cm square cube in image

Authenticity: 100% Genuine – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Image Note: The photo shows the actual specimen you will receive.

GEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGICAL CONTEXT:

Stiphothyris tumida is a classic example of a Jurassic brachiopod from the Inferior Oolite of the United Kingdom. This formation represents shallow marine carbonate environments that existed during the Bajocian Stage of the Middle Jurassic (~171–168 million years ago), widely known for yielding an abundant and diverse invertebrate fossil record.

• Morphology:
• S. tumida has a subquadrate shell that is relatively inflated (hence “tumida”) with a smooth to weakly ornamented surface. The valves are convex, and the shell often features a prominent beak. Its hinge line is relatively short, and the internal structure includes characteristic looped brachidia, as is typical of terebratulid brachiopods.
• Depositional Environment:
• The Inferior Oolite formed in a warm, shallow epicontinental sea, with clear waters and stable conditions. The limestone beds represent high-energy shoal environments where benthic organisms like brachiopods, bivalves, echinoderms, and ammonites thrived.
• Biozone Relevance:
• Although Stiphothyris tumida is not a formal zone fossil, it is typically associated with ammonite biozones such as the Garantiana and Parkinsoni Zones, which help stratigraphers pinpoint the Bajocian stage in southern England.
• Scientific Importance:
• This brachiopod is frequently cited in palaeoecological and taphonomic studies of the British Jurassic. Its presence helps define the environmental structure of Jurassic marine shelf ecosystems and serves as a reference for comparative studies across European Bajocian sequences.

ABOUT THIS SPECIMEN:

This individual Stiphothyris tumida specimen was discovered in the Jurassic outcrops of Dorset, part of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable fossil record. It has been carefully selected for its preservation and completeness.

As with all our items from the Alice Purnell Collection, this fossil is a genuine, certified specimen, professionally prepared and authenticated by our in-house experts.

YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• 1 x Stiphothyris tumida fossil brachiopod
• From the Inferior Oolite Formation, Bajocian Stage, Middle Jurassic
• Location: Dorset, United Kingdom
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in the photo
• Selected from the Alice Purnell Collection

SUMMARY:

A superb, professionally curated Jurassic brachiopod fossil from the Inferior Oolite of Dorset. Perfect for collectors, students, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts seeking an authentic piece of the Jurassic sea floor.