Description
Morocco Scyphocrinites
- Species: Mahoumacrinus (Scyphocrinites)
- Upper Silurian Age
- Erfoud, Morocco, North Africa
- The plate measures 6.25″ long
- MORE Crinoids Fossils for Sale
Scyphocrinus, is an extinct genus of crinoids. Species belonging to this genus lived during the Silurian as well as Devonian periods (from 443.4 to 358.9 Ma). In addition they also had a floating sphere that kept an animal afloat in water. Unlike other crinoids, Scyphocrinites hung upside down at the surface.
The red on the plate is due to heavy pyrite weathering as well as iron content. As a result the crinoids are cleaned to remove the iron and reveal the contrasting color of the fossil. .
ARE CRINOIDS A SEA LILY?
Because of their “flower like” appearance, crinoids have been referred to as “sea lilies”. However they are in fact animals. But Crinoids belong to the phylum Echinodermata.
Drawing By William I. Ausich
