 Description:
This trilobite is a member of the Order
Lichida, Family Lichidae from the Devonian deposits of Jebel
Zireg that have been recently described, Morocco known commercially
as the Spine-on-spine Ceratarges. There are several examples of
the genus found at this locality, with this one termed Ceratrages
spinosus by the commercial community. It is now known as Ceratarges
ziregensis, with the species name derived from the type locality.
Most of the spines have been prepared freestanding on the cephalon
as well as those on the axial, and pleural lobes, with the last
two pleural and the pygidial spines serving as an anchor for this
specimen prepared in a rearing posture I prefer to call the “striking
cobra” pose.  With
the advent of a reliable source of electricity in Morocco, the quality
of preparation has improved dramatically over the past few years.
This one took a great deal of effort to prepare the many spines
free of matrix. As icing on the cake, even the hypostome can be
seen from the underside. This specimen is truly stunning when viewed
from any aspect, and is destined to become the cornerstone of any
collection, public or private. (I apologize for the less-than-esthetic
photography while still in the shipping container, but discretion
was the better part of valor with all the spines). The many hours
taken to prepare such a stunning example is well worth it.
It
is an excellent example of the taxon with numerous bizarre features.
See my other offerings for yet another members of the genus, Ceratarges
koumalii and new species Ceratarges
aries.
Reference:
Geologica Belgica (2011) 14, 3/4, pp 193-202.
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