Problematic Plumalina densa Devonian Feather Coral Fossil

Double Sided Specimen

Plumalina densa

Phylum Cnidaria Incertae Sedis

Geological Time: Upper Devonian, Senecan Stage (~370 million years ago)

Size: Fossil are 30 mm by 90 mm and 65 mm by 28 mm; Matrix: 65 mm by 125

Fossil Site: Almond Dam, Steuben County, New York, USA

Code: AW117

Price: Sold


Problematic Plumalina densa Devonian Feather Coral FossilDescription: This superb specimen belongs to what is most commonly termed the Problematica, or problematic animals, indicative of an unclear or controversial classification. First described in the 1850s, it is still the subject of uncertainty today. Named Plumalina plumaria in 1858 it is thought be some to be a hydrzoan (“feather coral”) and a gorgonian by others. While it is indubitably a cnidarian, perhaps to label incertae sedis would be best. I have included a couple of negative images to make the specimen easier to see.

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