Beyrichoceras is a genus belonging to the goniatitid family Maxigoniatitidae[1] that lived during the Mississippian Period (Early Carboniferous) Beyrichoceras can be recognized by its small, thickly discoidal shell with small umbilicus, deep dorsal impression, arched flanks and rounded venter [2] The ventral lobe of the suture is bifurcated, wide at its base, narrowing apically, ending in a pair of outwardly turned prongs separated by a low median saddle.

[4] Miller and Furnish [2] included Beyrichoceras in the subfamily Goniatitinae, family Goniatitidae, and superfamily Goniatitaceae.

The Maxigoniatitidae, established by Korn, Klug & Mapes, 1999, is based on Goniatites maximus var.

saourensis Pareyn, 1961, renamed Maxigoniatites Beyrichoceras is found in middle Lower Carboniferous ( Mississippian upper Osagean-Meremacian equivalent) strata [4] in North America, Europe, and North Africa.

[1] Its small, involutely coiled form nevertheless suggest a floating nektonic or nekto-benthic stalker capable to sudden swift maneuvering.