Antholites refers to a group of extinct, marine organisms that existed during the Devonian period, approximately 400 to 350 million years ago. They were a type of cephalopod, belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea, which included the more well-known ammonites. Antholites were characterized by their coiled shells, which were chambered and divided by thin, internal walls called septa.
The shells of Antholites were typically rounded or disc-shaped, with a central umbilicus and a large, open aperture. They displayed intricate and ornate patterns on their shells, often with ridges or ribs running from the aperture to the outer edge. These features were advantageous for strengthening the shells and providing stability while moving through the water.
Like other ammonoids, Antholites possessed a siphuncle, which was a tube-like structure running through the septa and connecting the chambers. This played a crucial role in buoyancy control, allowing the animal to change its depth in the water with ease.
Antholites were also equipped with a soft body, tentacles, and a beak-like mouthpart, similar to their modern relatives, the squids and octopuses. They likely fed on small marine organisms, such as plankton or small fish, using their tentacles to capture their prey.
Today, Antholites are known only from fossil remains found in various parts of the world, providing valuable insights into the biodiversity and evolution of ancient marine ecosystems during the Devonian period.
