17" Giant Asaphid Trilobite (Basilicus) - Fezouata Formation

This is an absolutely massive 17" long asaphid (Basilicus sp) trilobite fossil from the Fezouata Formation of Morocco. These giant Asaphids are quite rare to find complete now; they are found in limestone lenses within the massive shale unit of the formation. These limestone lenses are only exposed through erosion, a rather slow process in the desert. Over the decades the sites have been scoured by diggers who have broken down all of the exposed lenses.

This one is near maximum size and is well preserved. Unlike most specimens it has some inflation. Total shell restoration appears to be about 15%, primarily on it's glabella and the edges of its tail.