This Crinoid Fossil Fish specimen is embedded in a substantial slab from the world famous Morocco fossil beds. The main flower has spectacular detail. The animal appears as if its petals were created from silky tissue. It is so delicate appearing, it shows the texture of the seabed it died on. The flower is nearly complete. The fine pinnule, which filter-feed from the arms, are clearly seen in intense clarity.
In the corner is the secondary flower, more crumpled, but the calyx and its plates are wonderfully visible. And lastly, there is a partial section of a third flower coming in from the edge. Numerous support stems are scattered throughout front and back. The prominent crinoid flower measures 5 inches x 5 inches.
These crinoid fossil fish specimen are ancient. They date to the Silurian and Devonian Periods of the Paleozoic Era - 443 Million Years Ago to 358 Million years ago. This crinoid is a single piece and was not cemented back together.
Crinoids were filter feeders. Their long stems, anchored to the sea floor, extended up to the flower heads. In addition, the pinnule are the very fine filaments that would collect microscopic plankton, and other sea life, that flowed through them. These would be consumed as food.
The large flower is in great preservation and detail, as well as the fine pinnule visibly extending from the arms. Above all, this crinoid is quite remarkable and wonderful.
Measurements are close approximations:
- Width - 8.5 inches
- Thickness - 1 inches
- Height - 6 inches
- Weight - 3 pounds
I will include the small acrylic stand but a larger one will probably be good for long use.