carniceras

Carniceras is an extinct genus of ammonoid, a group of marine mollusks related to squids and cuttlefish, that lived during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 201 to 190 million years ago. Fossils of *Carniceras* have been found primarily in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, where they are commonly recovered from marine limestone and shale deposits.

The name *Carniceras* derives from the Latin words *caro* (meaning "flesh") and *ceras* (meaning "horn"), referencing the smooth, often ribbed shell that resembles polished horn. This genus is characterized by its involute (coiled inward) shell, which typically measures between 2 and 6 centimeters in diameter. The whorls (spiral turns) of the shell are often adorned with fine, evenly spaced ribs that may fade toward the outer edge. The sutures—the lines where the shell’s internal partitions (septae) meet the outer surface—are typically smooth and gently lobed, distinguishing it from some related genera.

Carniceras is classified within the family Ceratitidae, a group of ammonoids that thrived during the Triassic and Early Jurassic periods. It is closely related to other genera such as *Proceratites* and *Eoprosphenops*, with which it shares morphological similarities. The genus is significant in stratigraphic studies, as its distinct shell features help paleontologists date and correlate rock layers from this time period.

Fossil specimens of *Carniceras* are occasionally found in museum collections and private collections, though they remain relatively rare compared to other Jurassic ammonoids. Due to its small size and delicate nature, preservation often requires careful extraction from surrounding rock. While not as well-studied as some other ammonoid genera, *Carniceras* provides valuable insights into the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of Early Jurassic marine ecosystems.