Gryphea Dilatata

Gryphea dilatata is a common species of fossil Jurassic oyster, frequently found in abundance in the localities where it occurs. It belongs to the Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian clays of the Jurassic and can grow to a diameter in excess of convert|15|cm|in. It lived a sedentary life-style, settled on the sea bed and was a filter feeder. Its abundance at certain localities - such as Furzy Cliff, Weymouth, Dorset, (England) - suggests it often formed large beds of hundreds of individuals.

It is closely related to the similar "Gryphea dilobotes".

For an example of this species, see: [http://s148.photobucket.com/albums/s32/DdraigCymraeg/?action=view&current=S5020746.jpg] [British Paleozoic Fossils: ISBN 1-898298-73-4 Plate 21.]

ee also

* Gryphaea
* Gryphaea arcuata
* Jurassic Coast

References