RARE FOSSIL SQUID. ...

Description

RARE FOSSIL SQUID
Coleoidea
Jurassic
Holzmaden, Germany
Comparatively little is known of the evolutionary history of the squid and other non-belemnoid coleoid cephalopods since the only parts of these odd-looking creatures usually preserved in the fossil record are the pen, or chitinous galdius, and even that rarely survives due to its fragile nature. And so, the fragmentary remains of this ancient fossilized mollusk represent a remarkably good state of preservation, from the clear outline of the mantle, with good three-dimensionality and color variations, to the ghostly traces of the barbed tentacles that protruded from one end. One should not be surprised: Holzmaden oil shale is renowned for the quality of its fossil remains, and despite its fragility, many of the world's finest specimens have been excavated there. This excellent example measures 9½ inches in length and is presented on a 12½ x 7 inch matrix.

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