Procheloniceras Mantelliceras Ammonite 460mm

Procheloniceras ammonite 460mm, sub family; Mantelliceratinae also often commonly named Procheloniceras genus of Cretaceous ammonites. Displaying an interesting morphology to the latter external chamber of the shell, a definite distortion which could be caused by an illness or possibly predation.

This is a fine large ammonite specimen excavated in Morocco, prepared to a scientifically interesting and aesthetically appealing standard. The colour is derived from iron staining in the fossil beds. This is often removed when the ammonites are prepared in Morocco.

Ammonites of enormous proportions are found in the Western Anti Atlas of Morocco, The Peninsula of Tamri, province of Agadir has been a very good source for fossil discoveries, however they are becoming scarce as the valleys that once yielded good quantities for collectors and flooding post following completion of hydro dams in the region.

These majestic creatures once abounded in the Jurassic and Cretaceous Oceans of the world, part of the larger group of Ammonoids. The reign of the ammonites ranged from about 410 million years ago up to a mass extinction event around 74 million years ago. The only known surviving cephalopod is the Nautili, persisting in the Indian and pacific oceans of today.

Believed to be aggressive creatures, with superb vision they could easily hunt at night and at great depths where little or no light penetrates the deep oceans.