Nautiloidea - Fossilised animal - cleoniceras in sezione - 17 cm - 14 cm

A very important group from a fossil perspective belonging to the Devonian-Cretaceous period. Totally extinct by the end of the Cretaceous, it is thought to derive from ancestors belonging to Nautiloidea. Although part of the cephalopod mollusks group, CLEONICERAS is distinguished above all by the shape of the shell characterized by bilateral symmetry. The shell is divided into a single 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 up to the more recent ammonites where it is often very jagged and almost baroque. The sizes vary: starting from a few centimeters but can reach up to 10 cm. Since these are entirely extinct marine species, it is only possible to hypothesize their lifestyle. It is believed that forms with smooth shells outwardly were swimmers, often predators. Species with more ribbed and ornamented shells were predominantly benthic. Unmissable lot: Beautiful specimen of Cleoniceras cut open to reveal the extraordinary internal structure, made possible by fossilization through aragonite. This natural process causes the original organic tissues to be gradually replaced by aragonite, a mineral that fills the shell’s cavities and transforms it into a sparkling composition of crystals, exceptionally preserving internal details and turning the fossil into a true work of nature’s art. Looking at the external part of this beautiful fossil, the characteristic sutural lines of the species are clearly visible, intertwining into a pattern that recalls the sinuous movements of flames. A genuine natural masterpiece. The pedestal is not included, obtained from reclaimed materials used and used solely for photographic purposes.