Immature Meraspid Asaphellus Moroccan Trilobite

Asaphellus sp.

Trilobites Order Asaphida, Family Asaphidae

Geological Time: Ordovician

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): 47 mm long by 35 mm wide on a 75 mm by 85 mm matrix

Fossil Sales: Zagora, Morocco

Code: 21024

Price: Sold


Description: Here is one of the more uncommon trilobites of Morocco:an immature example known as a Meraspid. Trilobites begin as very small specimens without body segments known as a Holaspid. As they begin to grow they add segments, typically one with each shedding. This one has three distinct thoracic segments, with a fourth developing. It appears to be a member of the Asaphidae with affnites to Asaphellus based upon the shape of the pygidium. The Asaphidae are not common representatives of the Moroccan Trilobita. This one is exceptionally 3-D for an Ordovician trilobite, and would make a good addition to a collection of the region’s trilobite diversity. Note the orange color. These trilobites are preserved as the iron mineral limonite; those from this region are a vibrant orange or red. Meraspids are not often seen, perhaps in part because of their small size.

Trilobite Fossil Sales


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