Nautiloidea - Fossilised animal - cleoniceras in sezione - 13.6 cm - 11 cm

An extremely important group from a fossil perspective belonging to the Devonian-Cretaceous period. Totally extinct by the end of the Cretaceous, it is thought to descend from ancestors belonging to Nautiloidea. Although belonging to the cephalopod mollusks, CLEONICERAS is distinguished above all by the shape of its shell characterized by bilateral symmetry. The shell is divided into an undivided anterior region where the animal resided and a posterior region divided into chambers. The line of closure between the chambers is highly indicative and facilitates species recognition. Moreover, its outline, in the early forms rather simple and linear, gradually changed to the later ammonites where it is often very jagged and almost baroque. Sizes vary: starting from a few centimeters but can reach up to 10 cm. Since this is a fully extinct marine species, we can only hypothesize their lifestyle. It is believed that forms with smooth externally shells were swimmers, often predators. The species with more ribbed and ornamented shells were predominantly benthic. Unmissable lot: Beautiful specimen of Cleoniceras sectioned to reveal the extraordinary internal structure, made possible by calcite fossilization. Observing the outer part of this beautiful fossil, the characteristic sutural lines of the species are clearly visible, intertwining in a pattern that resembles the sinuous movements of flames. A true natural masterpiece. Pedestal not included, made from reclaimed materials used and intended solely for photographic purposes.