RARE Brittle Star Ophiura Fossil Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco Genuine Sea Star Specimen

Description

Rare Brittle Star Fossil from the Ordovician of Morocco

This listing features a rare Brittle Star fossil (Ophiura sp.) from the Ordovician deposits of the Draa Valley, Morocco. Brittle stars are echinoderms closely related to modern starfish, and they are recognised for their slender, flexible arms radiating from a small central disc. This specimen preserves remarkable detail, providing a glimpse into life in the ancient seas over 450 million years ago.

Every fossil we offer is a carefully chosen, genuine specimen that comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show an example of the actual fossil you will receive, ensuring full transparency.

Geological Context

This Brittle Star originates from the Ordovician period (c. 485–443 million years ago), a critical stage in Earth’s history when marine biodiversity expanded dramatically in what is known as the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event. During this time, shallow seas covered much of what is now North Africa, providing ideal conditions for the preservation of marine fossils.

The Draa Valley of Morocco is world-renowned for its exceptionally rich fossil beds, which preserve a wide range of marine life from trilobites and crinoids to echinoderms like brittle stars. The fine-grained sedimentary rocks of the region allowed delicate organisms to be preserved in remarkable detail, capturing the morphology of species that thrived in warm Ordovician seas.

Morphology and Features

The Ophiura sp. Brittle Star is characterised by a small, rounded central disc from which five narrow, flexible arms extend. Unlike true starfish, brittle stars have clearly defined central bodies and highly articulated arms, which allowed them to move quickly across the sea floor. Their segmented skeletal plates, known as ossicles, are often beautifully preserved in fossil form, highlighting their intricate structure.

This specimen displays well-preserved features of the central disc and radiating arms, offering collectors and students of palaeontology an authentic look at echinoderm anatomy from deep time. The delicate skeletal structure of brittle stars makes them less common as complete fossils compared to more robust marine organisms, adding to their rarity and desirability.

Scientific and Historical Importance

Brittle stars belong to the class Ophiuroidea, within the phylum Echinodermata, a group that also includes starfish, crinoids, and sea urchins. They were important components of Ordovician ecosystems, playing roles as detritivores and predators on the sea floor. Fossils such as this provide vital information about early echinoderm evolution and the ecological dynamics of ancient marine communities.

The preservation of brittle stars in the Draa Valley demonstrates the stability of the depositional environment, with calm, fine sediments allowing even fragile skeletal elements to remain intact. This makes specimens from this locality both scientifically valuable and highly collectable.

Collector’s Details

• Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Ophiura sp.)

• Geological Age: Ordovician Period (c. 485–443 million years ago)

• Location: Draa Valley, Morocco

• Phylum: Echinodermata

• Class: Ophiuroidea

• Notable Features: Central disc with radiating articulated arms, detailed preservation of skeletal ossicles

• Condition: Authentic fossil showing clear detail of body and arms

• Sizing: Scale cube = 1cm. Please see photographs for full size reference.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show an example of the actual specimen you will receive, carefully chosen for quality and clarity of preservation.

This Brittle Star Fossil (Ophiura sp.) from the Ordovician of Morocco is a stunning and scientifically significant piece, offering a rare chance to own a genuine example of early echinoderm evolution. For fossil collectors, educators, or enthusiasts of natural history, it is a remarkable addition that connects directly to the ancient seas of the Draa Valley.