{"product_id":"metacanthina-issoumourensis-trilobite-morocco-2","title":"Metacanthina issoumourensis Trilobite | Morocco","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eMetacanthina issoumourensis\u003cbr\u003eEarly Devonian (Pragian Stage)\u003cbr\u003eLhandar Formation\u003cbr\u003eLghaft, Morocco\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatrix approx. size: 3.75\" x 2.25\" x 2\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecimen approx. size: 1.25\" x 1\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMetacanthina issoumourensis is a striking Devonian trilobite best known for its dramatic spines and beautifully sculpted exoskeleton. Fossils of this species are primarily from southeastern Morocco (Issoumour region, which gives the species its name).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eWhat Makes It Special?\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis trilobite isn’t subtle. It’s armored and ostentatious at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLong Genal Spines\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sweeping spines extending from the cheeks (genal spines) are one of its signature features. These likely helped deter predators and may have made the animal appear larger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThoracic \u0026amp; Pygidial Spines\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body segments and tail (pygidium) also carry smaller but sharp spines, giving it a bristling, defensive look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eHighly Convex Glabella\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe central lobe of the head (glabella) is inflated and well-defined, giving the animal a strong, sculpted profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEnrollment\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike many trilobites, Metacanthina issoumourensis could roll into a tight ball. When enrolled, the spines formed a protective cage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLifestyle \u0026amp; Ecology\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Devonian, this trilobite lived in shallow marine environments. It likely:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrawled along the sea floor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScavenged organic material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelied on armor and spines to avoid predation from early fish and cephalopods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"In Stone Fossils","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49080766005470,"sku":"METATRBT3","price":520.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0466\/5117\/9163\/files\/1000033960.jpg?v=1794013084","url":"https:\/\/instonefossils.com\/products\/metacanthina-issoumourensis-trilobite-morocco-2","provider":"In Stone Fossils ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}