Rare Carpoid Fossil (Ctenocystis sp) – Wheeler Shale, Cretaceous, Utah USA – Genuine Echinoderm with Certificate

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Name: Carpoid Ctenocyslis sp

Specimen: Echinoderm

Age: Wheeler Shale, Middle Cretaceous

Location: Millard County, Utah, USA

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 46 x 35 x 3mm (1.81 x 1.38 x 0.12 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.