Camerate Crinoid Scyphocrinites Mass Mortality Plate

As they lived so they died, in mass as a community. This is a superb mass mortality plate of Scyphocrinites crinoids, pelagic, Camerate crinoids from the Upper Silurian of Morocco. Three of the crinoids are sufficiently segregated to present in complete form. I estimate a total of eight crinoids accounting for superimpositions. Note the bulbous structure near the base thought to be a float enabling large colonies of Scyphocrinites to lead a migratory pelagic existence where they ranged widely during the Silurian. Preservation is excellent, including calyx, plates and pinnules. The naturally dark grey crinoids contrast well with the reddish matrix and numerous crinoid stems are present.