❃ Tullimonstrum gregarium, better known as the Tully monster, is one of the strangest creatures ever discovered in the fossil record. It lived roughly 300 million years ago in the shallow waters covering what is now Illinois. Usually only several inches long, this soft-bodied animal had a narrow, torpedo-shaped body, stalked eyes extending sideways, and a long flexible proboscis ending in a claw-like structure lined with tiny teeth.
❃ The first fossils were discovered in the 1950s by amateur fossil collector Francis Tully in Illinois' Mazon Creek fossil beds. Scientists quickly realized they were looking at something exceptionally unusual. Since then, researchers have debated where the Tully monster belongs on the tree of life, with studies variously linking it to vertebrates or suggesting affinities with invertebrate groups. Its true evolutionary identity remains controversial.
❃ Thousands of Tully monster fossils have been found, yet the animal continues to resist a definitive classification. Its bizarre combination of stalked eyes, elongated feeding apparatus, and soft body has no obvious counterpart among living animals. So distinctive is this prehistoric mystery that Illinois designated the Tully monster as its official state fossil in 1989—a fitting legacy for one of paleontology's most wonderfully puzzling creatures.
Size & Specifications
Type: Plush Toy for Ages 3+
Size: 60cm (23.6") L × 21cm (8.3") W × 7cm (2.8") H as pictured
Material: Plush & PP Cotton
Color: As Pictured
When It Arrives
Your plush travels inside our satchel, and some designs may be vacuum-sealed to keep them protected and compact during their journey. Don’t worry if yours looks a little flattened when first unpacked — the filling is designed to bounce back and simply needs a little time and fluffing to take its full shape.
Bringing it back to form:
1. Remove it from the packaging as soon as it arrives — don’t leave it packed.
2. Give it a good fluff — gently knead the body and work the limbs, wings, ears, or tail to redistribute the filling.
3. Let it breathe. Most plush regain their full shape within 1–3 days, while larger or denser designs can take up to a week.
4. Smooth any flattened or creased fur with your fingers or a soft brush as it fluffs back up.
5. Want to speed things up? Use a hairdryer on low, warm heat, held about 20cm away. Keep it moving and use short bursts between fluffs. Never use high heat.
Plush make this journey every day and naturally bounce back after being unpacked. If yours still isn’t looking like itself after a week, write to us at support@gagebeasleyshop.com and we’ll make it right.
Care: Spot clean only. Do not soak.
Shipping & Delivery
Orders are processed within 1–2 business days. Due to high demand, please allow 1–2 weeks for delivery. Every order ships with a tracking number so you can follow it the whole way.
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Very pretty, good looking plushie. Soft and squishy. I love him, but unfortunately the eyes are little bit off, but it's not a major issue. I would still recommend buying this for you or even as a gift.
Wow I love the Tully monster. What are teeth-like structures? I think you misinterpret colloquial, in the most respectful way. Let me clarify: I remain intrigued by the vague and descriptive and illuminating facts about this aquatid.
