Intricate Desmoceras Cretaceous Ammonite

Description: This fine ammonite is Desmoceras latidorsatum from Madagascar which has had the original shell removed, allowing you to see how the ammonite’s shell was reinforced with small impact upon its weight, and important factor for an animal which needed to move freely within the water column in pursuit of prey The interior shell is preserved as a rich mahogany colored Calcite, with the sutures in fine relief. Additionally, you can see the dark line running along the center of the shell. This is the siphuncule, which is what was used by the ammonite to adjust its depth in the water column, much like a submarine. See my other listing for examples of another genus.