Agaricocrinus americanus
Family Coelocrinidae
Onychaster flexilis
Family Ophiuroidea
Geological Time: Lower Mississippian Osagean Stage
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Agaricocrinus americanus crown: 70 mm long by 58 mm wide; stem: 25 mm Brittlestar: 45 mm across (as exposed) on a 70 mm by 128 mm matrix.
Fossil Site: Crawfordsville, Indiana Famous Crawfordsville Crinoids
 Description:
Well-preserved example of a crinoid of the Family Coelocrinidae Agaricocrinus
americanus, The crinoid is very three-dimensional in aspect, with
preservation of the fine pinnules quite evident. This is a fine example
of the variety of diverse crinoids to be found in the Crawfordsville
deposits. Note that some of the arms of the crinoid can be seen on
the reverse side as well. The other Echinoderm is a member of the
Ophiuroidea or Brittlestars known as Onychaster flexilis that is securely
nestled amongst the arms of the crinoid. Intact starfish are rarely
found. Studies have shown modern examples 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. Here is a unique opportunity to add a pair of fine
Echinoderms to your collection. |
