This Goniatite is probably a representative of the genus Manticoceras. It originates from the Matagne Formation of Belgium and is characterized by an extremely good shell preservation. At the beginning of the preparation nothing was to be seen of the multitude of smaller Goniatites and Brachiopods, which decorate the entire slab. These emerged only gradually during the preparation. A case of luck, since all the fossils together made it possible to create an impressive specimen.

The preparation of this piece was relatively difficult to accomplish. The rock of this region is generally very hard and the separation poor, so that the progress is only very slow, if the shell is to be saved. However, the shell is very well preserved and should therefore be saved where possible. 

Fossil: Manticoceras sp. and other Goniatites and Brachiopods

Locality: Chimay region (Belgium)

Formation: Upper Devonian, Frasnian, Matagne Formation

Length of the specimen: 36 cm (14.2 inches)

Work required: 28 hours