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Product Description
This exciting and unusual Devonian trilobite from North Africa is a NEW discovery and of the genus Akantharges. The few examples found indicate it is an RARE variety and likely lived a solitary life compared to massive beds of other trilobite fossils found in great concentrated numbers. Based on the look and design of its body, it's been considered a likely dweller of prehistoric undersea reef environments with its bizarre anatomy that would have been excellent camouflage to blend in with the encrusted textures of marine reefs. The raised rim off the dorsal surface of the pygidium mimics the same ridge found on the cephalon. As a denizen of a reef where predators also abound, the very style of this trilobite's anatomy also helps it to disguise which is its head and which is its tail. It must have resembled a slowly crawly castle fortress with it bizarre appearance - a paradox in of itself, this trilobite is a repulsive beauty!
Considering their rarity, GENUINE Akantharges are priced accordingly and like any valuable and rare trilobite we already have seen several fakes, as well as composite specimens, populating the market. It has been prepared in the finest manner with all spines and deep crannies of its exoskeleton completely exposed of the surrounding rock in which it was originally entombed. A rare feature of this piece is that its mouthparts have also been exposed - rare anatomy that is often not revealed. The preservation condition of the carapace is excellent with evidence of molting. Every pustulose detail is PERFECTLY shown fully cleaned and visible.
This entire trilobite and the surrounding rock surfaces have been carefully lab-prepped with high-tech pneumatic and micro-abrasive equipment to fully expose every bit of tiny detail.
