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Rare Carpoid Fossil (Ctenocystis sp) – Wheeler Shale, Middle Cretaceous, Utah USA – Authentic Echinoid Specimen with Certificate

Rare Carpoid Fossil (Ctenocystis sp) – Wheeler Shale, Middle Cretaceous, Utah USA – Authentic Echinoid Specimen with Certificate

Original price was: £19.20.Current price is: £9.60.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity

**Please note: Some fossils maybe propped up for photo purposes**

Name: Carpoid Ctenocyslis sp

Specimen: Echinoid

Age: Wheeler Shale, Middle Cretaceous

Location: Millard County, Utah, USA

Size (picture scale cube=1cm):  24 x 22 x 6mm (0.94 x 0.87 x 0.24 inches)

The Homalozoa lacked the typical pentamer body form of other echinoderms, but all were sessile animals. Instead all Homalozoans were markedly asymmetric, and were extremely variable in forms. The body (theca) was covered with calcite plates with a number of openings. Their form is in some cases so unusual that it is unclear which openings are to be considered as mouth and anus. Many of them were stalked, similar to sea lilies (crinoids), but often their bodies were bent over, so that the mouth and anus projected forwards rather than upwards. Some forms, especially stylophorans, rested flat on the sea floor.

In some forms the single ray (brachiole or aulacophore) possessed an ambulacral groove. It has been claimed that some forms possessed gills and gill slits.

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9614 Category:

Description

This listing is for a fascinating and rare Carpoid (Ctenocystis sp.) fossil, preserved in remarkable detail. The specimen was discovered in the Wheeler Shale Formation, Millard County, Utah, USA, dating back to the Middle Cretaceous. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context:
The Wheeler Shale is one of the most significant fossil-bearing formations in North America, known for preserving delicate marine life in extraordinary detail. Dating to the Middle Cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago, these layers represent shallow marine environments teeming with biodiversity. Fossils from this deposit help paleontologists understand the evolution of marine ecosystems and the variety of life that flourished during the Cretaceous seas.

About Carpoids (Homalozoa):
Carpoids, sometimes classified under the group Homalozoa, represent one of the most unusual and scientifically debated groups of echinoderms. Unlike starfish, sea urchins, and other echinoderms with a five-rayed symmetry, carpoids displayed asymmetrical body structures.

  • Their body, called the theca, was covered with calcite plates perforated by multiple openings.
  • Many species had unusual shapes, making it difficult to identify which openings served as the mouth or anus.
  • Some were stalked and resembled crinoids (sea lilies), while others lay flat on the seabed.
  • Certain types, such as stylophorans, were bent so their feeding structures projected forward.
  • The single ray (brachiole or aulacophore) in some carpoids contained an ambulacral groove used for feeding.
  • Some researchers suggest they may have had gill-like structures, hinting at adaptations unique among echinoderms.

Scientific Significance:
Carpoids like Ctenocystis sp. are of high interest to paleontologists due to their unconventional body structure. They challenge traditional ideas of echinoderm body plans and provide evidence of evolutionary experimentation in early marine animals. Their rarity makes them sought after by both scientists and collectors.

Specimen Details:

  • Name: Carpoid (Ctenocystis sp.)
  • Type: Echinoid, Homalozoa
  • Age: Middle Cretaceous
  • Formation: Wheeler Shale
  • Location: Millard County, Utah, USA
  • Scale cube: 1 cm (see photo for full sizing)

Please Note:

  • Some specimens may be propped up for photography.
  • You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photos.
  • Colours may appear slightly different depending on lighting and display screens.
  • Measurements are provided as accurately as possible but may vary slightly due to irregular shapes.
  • Once sold, this listing will be updated with a new specimen, new photos, and new dimensions.

This fossil has been carefully hand-selected for quality. It is an excellent addition to any fossil collection, educational resource, or natural history display.

Additional information

Weight 10 g
Era

Cambrian
Origin

USA

Cambrian Information

The Cambrian Period (541–485 million years ago) was the first period of the Paleozoic Era, marking a dramatic explosion of life known as the Cambrian Explosion. During this time, complex multicellular organisms rapidly diversified, giving rise to the first arthropods, mollusks, echinoderms, and chordates—early ancestors of vertebrates. The climate was generally warm, with high sea levels covering much of the continents, creating vast shallow seas where life thrived. Iconic creatures such as Trilobites, Anomalocaris, and Opabinia dominated the oceans, while the first primitive reefs formed. The Cambrian set the stage for the evolution of modern animal groups and the complexity of marine ecosystems.

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