ceratophthalmus

Ceratophthalmus is a genus of extinct crustaceans belonging to the order Trilobita. These ancient marine arthropods lived during the Devonian period, approximately 419 to 359 million years ago. Fossils of Ceratophthalmus have been found in various parts of the world, indicating a widespread distribution.

The defining characteristic of Ceratophthalmus is its prominent, horn-like projections extending from the glabella, the central raised lobe of the cephalon, or head. These cephalic spines likely served a defensive purpose, possibly deterring predators. Like other trilobites, Ceratophthalmus possessed a segmented body divided into three lobes: a central axial lobe and two pleural lobes on either side. They also had a distinct head (cephalon), thorax, and tail (pygidium).

The ecological role of Ceratophthalmus is not fully understood, but as trilobites, they likely occupied various niches within their marine environments, possibly as bottom-dwellers that scavenged for food or preyed on smaller organisms. Their extinction, along with that of most other trilobite groups, occurred at the end of the Devonian period, a time marked by significant environmental changes and mass extinction events. Studying fossils of Ceratophthalmus provides valuable insights into the biodiversity and evolutionary history of early marine life.