Trilobite (repaired) - Flexicalymene: Atlas Mountain Range, Morocco (Devonian 360-412 mya)

Flexicalymene is a genus of trilobites, extinct marine arthropods that lived approximately 450 million years ago during the Ordovician Period. Fossilized remains of Flexicalymene are notably abundant in the Atlas Mountain Range of Morocco, a region renowned for its rich deposits of ancient marine fossils. These trilobites, with their iconic crescent-shaped bodies and intricate segmentation, are often found in exceptional preservation, sometimes even in a curled or "enrolled" posture—a defensive mechanism against predators. The fossils provide valuable insights into the diverse marine ecosystems that thrived in the Paleozoic Era and underscore the paleontological importance of Morocco's geologic formations.

The Atlas Mountains themselves were formed through tectonic activity over millions of years and are characterized by a variety of sedimentary rocks, including limestones and shales that were once part of ancient seabeds. This environment, combined with favorable fossilization conditions, has made the region a global hotspot for trilobite fossils. Fossil hunters and researchers frequently explore these terrains to uncover remnants of Morocco's prehistoric seas, with Flexicalymene serving as one of the most iconic and scientifically significant finds in the region. The fossils not only attract scientific interest but also contribute to Morocco's economy through a thriving trade in legally sourced specimens for collectors and museums worldwide.

Approx. specimen size: 105mm x 55mm x 30mm