Cretaceous Echinoid Fossil Micraster from Germany

Description: Presented is an excellent example of this index fossil from Germany. Micraster is an extinct genus of echinoid from the Late Cretaceous. Its remains have been found in Africa, Antarctica, Europe, and North America.

Sea urchins or urchins are small, spiny, globular animals that belong to class Echinoidea. They inhabit all oceans. Their shell, or "test", is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 cm (1.2 to 3.9 in) across. Common colors include black and dull shades of green, olive, brown, purple, and red. They move slowly, feeding mostly on algae.