Orthoceras, from Morocco (No.147)

Orthoceras (Polished) from Morocco

Approximately 360 Million years old, Devonian period

Measurements Approx.
Height - 1.6 cm
Width - 4.2 cm
Length - 16.5 cm



The shell of Orthoceras is shaped like a slowly tapering cylindrical cone, and is made up of closely spaced concavo-convex chambers, joined together by a centrally placed tube called a siphuncle (the tube connecting the chambers of the shell).

Orthoceras was an active swimmer, with the shell positioned horizontally in the water. It scavenged and predated on small animals.