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Goniatites

Goniatites are hard to identify, because they can easily be mistaken for Ammonites, 
Gastropods or Nautiloids. Goniatites are in the Ammonoid family (Mollusc). 
Goniatites evolved at the same time as the Nautilus, however they were not as 
successful as a Nautilus; most Goniatites were extinct by the Mississippian period.
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Ceratites
LOWER MISSISSIPPIAN TO LOWER JURASSIC. 

359-175 MYA.

Picture
Ceratites are recognised by their unique wavy spaces.  
12cm is a decent size for a Ceratite.
It has no spines or deep spaces; it has large ridges and unusual, wavy, shallow spaces that have a scaly effect.

Cheiloceras
UPPER DEVONIAN. 375-360 MYA.

Picture
Cheiloceras is recognised by it's 3-5 deep spaces.
4cm is a decent size for a Cheiloceras.
It has no spines, it has 3-5 deep spaces (equally spaced).

It also usually has very shallow spaces; however these are normally not visible.

Gastrioceras
LOWER SILURIAN TO LOWER PERMIAN. 340-295 MYA.

Picture
Gastrioceras is recognised by it's Inner row spines.  
6cm is a decent size for a Gastrioceras.
It's spines are on the Inner row, and are located on the ridges. It has no deep spaces; however in between the spines, the spaces appear deeper.

Girtyoceras 
LOWER MISSISSIPPIAN TO UPPER MISSISSIPPIAN. 359-318.

Picture
Girtyoceras is recognised by it's unusual zig-zag pattern.
12cm is a decent size for a Girtyoceras.
It has no spines, no deep spaces, but has shallow spaces that display a striking, zig-zag effect (this is how it is differentiated from a Nautilus).

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