Description
This listing features an authentic Stomechinus bigranularis fossil echinoid, discovered in the Jurassic deposits of Morocco. Dating back over 160 million years, this specimen represents one of the distinctive regular sea urchins that inhabited the warm, shallow marine environments of the Jurassic seas.
The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate measurement. Every fossil we offer is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for your assurance of provenance.
Geological Context: Jurassic Seas of Morocco
Morocco is globally renowned for its fossil-rich deposits, which include some of the best-preserved Jurassic marine faunas. During the Jurassic period, much of North Africa was covered by shallow epicontinental seas. These environments were ideal for echinoids, ammonites, brachiopods, and other marine life that thrived in carbonate platforms and silty sediments.
The Jurassic strata of Morocco preserve a wealth of marine invertebrates, offering a vital window into Mesozoic marine ecosystems. Echinoids such as Stomechinus bigranularis are particularly valuable because their distinctive morphology aids in biostratigraphic correlation, helping paleontologists refine the dating of Jurassic layers.
The Species: Stomechinus bigranularis
Stomechinus bigranularis belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, class Echinoidea, order Stomechinida, and family Stomechinidae. Unlike the irregular “heart urchins,” this is a regular echinoid, characterised by its radial symmetry and robust spherical test (shell).
Notable traits of Stomechinus bigranularis include:
- A rounded, domed test with evenly spaced tubercles.
- Large primary tubercles surrounded by smaller secondary ones, giving the fossil a granular appearance.
- Strong ambulacral and interambulacral plates with well-developed pore pairs for tube feet.
- Adaptations for a benthic lifestyle, grazing on algae or detritus on the sea floor.
Its striking surface texture, marked by granules and tubercles, makes it a highly recognisable fossil echinoid from the Jurassic period.
Scientific and Morphological Details
- Phylum: Echinodermata
- Class: Echinoidea
- Order: Stomechinida
- Family: Stomechinidae
- Genus: Stomechinus
- Species: S. bigranularis
- Geological Age: Jurassic (c. 160 Ma)
- Locality: Morocco
- Preservation: Excellent test preservation with detailed tubercle structure
- Lifestyle: Epifaunal grazer on the Jurassic sea floor
This echinoid not only reflects the biodiversity of Jurassic seas but also serves as an important guide fossil in correlating Jurassic strata.
Collector and Display Value
A Stomechinus bigranularis fossil echinoid from Morocco is both a scientifically valuable specimen and a visually striking addition to any collection. The preservation of its test structure and granulated surface make it ideal for educational purposes, personal collections, or natural history displays.
As a fossil from the Jurassic seas of North Africa, it represents an ancient marine ecosystem that thrived during a period of immense evolutionary diversity. Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, this specimen offers both scientific importance and natural beauty, making it a prized addition for fossil enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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