Description
Fossilised Agadir Ammonite, Cretaceous 120 million years old 14.5cm wide
This large, fossilised Agadir ammonite, gets its name from the location from where it originates. The region of Morocco, near the coastal town of Agadir is world famous for its superb ammonites. This particular specimen has been skilfully prepared to reveal the distinctive ribbing pattern of these ammonites. These Ammonites are in the region of 120 million years old and date back to the Cretaceous period. The base of this limestone ammonite has a flat base, making this specimen a superb display piece.
Ammonites have been extinct for 65 million years, they are a form of Cephalopod, a group of marine molluscs. These first appeared in the Devonian Period, over 4oo million years ago. As the ammonite grew larger it added new chambers to the shell. The Ammonite only lived in the largest chamber, the last one added. The name Ammonite, derives from from ‘Ammon’ the Greek God. Ammonites were plankton feeders, with long tentacles, and they also were upright swimmers. There are in the region of ten thousand different species of ammonite. Although ammonites became extinct 65 million years ago, todays squid and also octopus are closely related.
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