Name: Onychaster flexilis
Geologic Time: Lower Mississippian Osagean Stage
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Brittlestar: 37 mm across (not extended – arms if complete would be at least 55 mm in length stretched out) on a 50 mm by 135 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Crawfordsville, Indiana
Code: CK020
Price: $635.00 - sold
 Description:
This superb Echinoderm is a member of the Ophiuroidea or Brittlestars
known as Onychaster flexilis. Intact starfish are rarely found. Studies
have shown  them
to fall apart within 24 hours of death if not rapidly buried. This
particular type of starfish is often found in association with crinoids
with which they lived symbiotically. The stem and pinnules of the
crinoid preserved beneath it would have been too small to have harbored
a monster brittlestar such as this one, the largest such example I
have ever come across. It extends through the depth of the matrix,
with several arms visible on the reverse. Notice the incredible detail
which even shows preserved tube feet. You will be hard-put to find
a better example offered anywhere, regardless of price. |
