Sphooceras
Genus of primitive cephalopod
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sphooceras is a genus of primitive cephalopod from the Silurian period. Most fossils have been found in the Czech Republic, but possible fossils may also exist in other countries.[1][2] It is currently known from two species, Sphooceras disjunctum and Sphooceras truncatum.
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| Full-color live reconstruction of Sphooceras | |
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| Family: | †Sphooceratidae |
| Genus: | †Sphooceras |
| Type species | |
| †Sphooceras truncatum (Barrande, 1860) | |
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Description
Multiple individuals of Sphooceras have been found, possibly even sporting various growth stages. While the larvae sported coiled shells, adult individuals were found have sported truncated, straight shells, giving them a rather sausage-like appearance.[2][3] They are among the earliest cephalopods to sport a fully-covered mantle, similar to that of a cowrie, and may have even repaired such shells similarly. Fossilized remains also show possible patterning of stripes similar to those sported on the extant nautilus, probably for camouflage.[3]
