|
ABOVE PHOTO SHOWS ULTRA RARE OPEN MOUTH FULLY REPLACED WITH LARGE CALCITE CRYSTALS
|
|
JURASSIC LARGE SQUID FOSSIL ON SOLNHOFEN LITHOGRAPHIC LIMESTONE Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone Formation - Eichstatt, Germany JURASSIC PERIOD: 150 million years ago This fine rare specimen is a complete fossil of a vampyromorph squid of the species plesioteuthis. The special feature of this example is its remarkable preservation. There is PRESERVATION OF SOFT BODY TISSUE WITH COMPLETE HEAVY CRYSTALLIZATION OF THE TENTACLES AND THE MOUTH. This can be seen in the close up image highlighted around this region. This kind of crystallization of soft body tissue is EXTREMELY RARE. Because squid are mostly soft tissue with only an internal cuttlebone skeleton, rarely are they found preserved as fossils. On this particular specimen, you have a very uncommon specimen. We can attribute such complete and rare preservation to a gentle burial of the original animal and a side orientation of the body when covered. Ridges running down the center of the body are preserved anatomy of the squid's gladius. The cuttlebone was flattened on its perimeter and left a white impression which can be seen within the larger soft body that would have covered it. The slab this superb fossil squid is on it also worthy of special mention. The limestone has a natural rich golden yellow hue with trails of dendrites running at parallel angles giving the artful impression as if this squid is diving deep amongst seaweed. These dendrites and pigmentation on the rock is 100% natural! Slab is approximately 1/2 inch thick and is INTACT with NO REPAIR! Squid belong to the family of invertebrates called CEPHALOPODS. Modern members include the nautilus, squid and octopus. They first appeared during the Silurian Period (435 million to 410 million years ago) and were abundant and widespread in the seas of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (175 million to 65 million years ago). Cephalopods are important index fossils — that is, they often link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. Squid and cuttlefish fossils are rare. Impressions of their internal skeletons are all that are usually found preserved. In rare instances, soft body parts and tissue are found preserved, and even more rarely, the ink sac. Modern squid and cuttlefish most likely can be equated with their prehistoric cousins. Extant species have some of the most highly developed nervous systems amongst all invertebrates. They are extremely adept at both evading predators and hunting prey on their own. Their stream-lined bodies are equipped with side fins that enable them to steer when moving. Some squid possess an ink sac which is used at the most strategic moment when pursued by a predator in order to confuse and escape imminent danger. Famous for producing an astonishing diversity of rare and most intricately preserved fossils found anywhere in the world, the Jurassic lithographic limestone deposits of southern Germany are legendary. Fossil remains found in the Solnhofen Plattenkalk limestone are considered amongst the world's finest and rarest fossils. Some of the largest dinosaurs that ever walked the earth were in existence when this plesioteuthis squid swam in the ancient seas alongside massive plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs! RARE WITH SUCH ANATOMY PRESERVED - ALL TENTACLES BY MOUTH TURNED TO CRYSTALS!!! 14" x 9.75" high overall with squid 11" long $2750 SQ004 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
|
2750 |
