Diminutive Short Spined Cyphaspis Moroccan Trilobite

Description: Unusual example of a member of the Order Proetida, Family Otarionidae with many fine details present. While most frequently known in the trade as “Otarion”, this one is actually a member of the genus Cyphaspis. The most diagnostic features of this taxon are the high stalked eyes, elongated spines, and granulose bulbous cephalon. This one has been prepared in such a way that matrix has been left beneath each spine as protection. This is the smallest and most likely youngest example I have been able to locate. It is either a juevenile or another species by virtue of the fact that no axial spine is present. Examination under magnification has not shown any evidence of a spine, so it is not just a factor of its having been broken off.