Review and photographs by Indohyus, edited by Suspsy
Ammonites are one of the most iconic of all fossil groups. Once thought to be snakes turned to stone in medieval times, these ancient cephalopods are known throughout the world, and are important fossils for many purposes, especially in dating as they are exceptional index fossils. Despite this, they are rarely found in toy form, possibly as they may be less interesting to children or collectors in comparison to dinosaurs. Bullyland, however, has taken steps to change this, producing two ammonite models along with several other common species from the past. For this review, I will be looking at the smaller of the two models.
‘Smaller’ may be the wrong word though! At 2.9” high and 4.3” wide, this is quite large for an ammonite, and would likely look out of place with marine reptile figures from most other lines in a display. The shell is predominately white with a yellowish-gold pattern, which is quite bright in comparison to the larger counterpart (perhaps this is a male). The tentacles are green and beige with grey on the suckers. This works quite well, looking similar to squid and cuttlefish. The tentacles are fairly dynamic, as if the animal is about to move off or catch prey.
With ammonite figures, it can be very hard to discern the species, as they usual just have the generic name ‘Ammonite’ stamped on them. Based on the shape of its whorl, it may well be a species of Peltoceratoides or Cosmoceras. Either way, it is very accurate to the general shell morphology of an ammonite. As for the tentacles, they appear to be correct, with ten arms and a siphuncle. There is also a beak inside the mass of tentacles, but it is harder to see. The only real inaccuracy is the wedge under the shell, but this is purely to keep it upright.
Overall, this is a really nice, well-made figure. It may not be as exciting as a T. rex or a Stegosaurus, but it is well worth getting, as it is often not very expensive, even relatively cheap. A great figure of a very famous group.
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[…] love Bullyland for creating figures of famous species that never get enough attention. This, the ammonite, and belemnite figures are fantastic, well worth getting. This trilobite in particular is well […]
Nice blog. Where can I buy this ammonite?
Nautilus are no closer related to ammonites than octopus and squids are.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nautiloid
Of course that ammonite is a jewel, on the other hand it is a pity that Bullyland has thrown the towel in the production of figures of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals.