Trilobite Phacops | 1.25 inches

Trilobites were marine arthropods with three-segmented bodies consisting of their heads, thoraxes, and tails. Each body segment had limbs. The head had three pairs of limbs, and the body and tail each had one pair of limbs. Each pair consisted of a lower branch for walking and an upper branch with filaments for respiration. Its soft bodies were protected by an exoskeleton (which was periodically shed to allow for growth). Most species had compound eyes, and a few were eyeless.

They were fully developed in the Cambrian period (538.8 million to 485.4 million years ago). They became less prevalent as time passed, with a few species living in the Permian Period (298.9 million to 251.9 million years ago).

Many trilobites were one to two inches long, but some were a few millimeters long, while others grew to be more than 18 inches and weighed as much as 10 pounds! They lived in oceans and seas all over the globe. Many lived on the sea or ocean floor, and some swam in open water. Some were active predators, and others were scavengers.

Each of our authentic fossilized trilobites showcases intricate details of the exoskeleton, segments, and—in some cases—their appendages. This preservation makes them fascinating and a sought-after addition for collectors and non-collectors alike. The fossils come from various places around the globe, with a large portion coming straight from Morocco.