Fine Starfish Fossil Mass Mortality Plate from California

This is an exceptional fossil starfish plate from the famous Cozy Dell Formation, not too far inland in Ventura County California. The plate contains 17, repeat 17, well preserved examples of Henricia venturana with unusual calcite preservation.

Generally, starfish are relatively uncommon in the fossil record owing to the fragility of the creature’s body. Starfish are already difficult to find at Cozy Dell, and specimens with this state of detailed preservation are indeed rare.