Sphooceras is a genus of primitive cephalopod from the Silurian period. Most fossils have been found in the Czech Republic, but possible fossils may also exist in other countries.
Description
Multiple individuals of
Sphooceras have been found, possibly even sporting various growth stages. While the larvae sported coiled shells, adult individuals were found have sported
truncation, straight shells, giving them a rather sausage-like appearance.
They are among the earliest
cephalopods to sport a fully-covered mantle, similar to that of a
cowrie, and may have even repaired such shells similarly. Fossilized remains also show possible patterning of stripes similar to those sported on the extant
nautilus, probably for
camouflage.
