Lytoceras fimbriatum ammonites are found in the Jurassic layers (191 - 171 million years ago) of France, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, United Kingdom, and the United States. The Lytoceratidae are a fairly rare family of ammonites. Their evolute shell shape is reminiscent of a "horn of plenty" and their complex suture patterns make these ammonites very appealing. Lytoceras changed very little during its life in the Jurassic. It was a fast moving predator. Its rarity may be related to the fact that it was a deep water species and rarely strayed into shallow waters where it could be preserved and found after it died. The whorls (spiral shape) of the Lytoceras are nearly rounded and evolute (more spaced out). The ribs on the shell show a fimbriation (a fringing of the ribs that lends to its characteristic shell pattern). These flares of ribs develop into thin collar-like extensions of the shell. One of the species of Lytoceras is cornucopia referring to the "horn of plenty" due to its slightly rounded or cupped shape of the rib. This fimbriation feature of the shell is rarely preserved due to its fragility. They are typically destroyed during the process of embedding and preparation. Specimens still possessing these extended ribs are extremely rare. The original of this specimen has been valued at $20,000. Dimensions: 12" x 11-1/2" x 5-1/8"