Palaeocoma egertoni Fossil Starfish Eype Starfish Bed Jurassic Dorset UK Genuine

Description

Rare Palaeocoma egertoni Fossil Starfish from the Famous Eype Starfish Bed

This is a stunning and genuine fossil specimen of Palaeocoma egertoni, a rare and scientifically important brittle star (ophiuroid) from the renowned Eype Starfish Bed on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, UK. The specimen has been carefully selected for quality, with excellent preservation of characteristic features, making it highly desirable for collectors, enthusiasts, and educational purposes alike. Unlike common ammonites or belemnites from Dorset, starfish fossils are extremely rare due to their delicate skeletal structure, and only exceptional preservation in specific depositional environments such as the Eype Starfish Bed allows these specimens to survive.

Geological Age and Origin

This fossil dates to the Lower Jurassic, specifically the Toarcian Stage, approximately 182 million years ago. The Eype Starfish Bed is world-famous for producing exquisitely preserved echinoderms, particularly brittle stars and starfish, within fine-grained marine sediments. These conditions allowed for remarkable preservation, capturing delicate arm structures that are rarely fossilised elsewhere. Fossils from this bed represent a unique window into Jurassic marine life along what is today the Dorset coastline, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Jurassic Coast.

Species Details and Morphological Features

Palaeocoma egertoni belongs to the class Ophiuroidea (brittle stars) within the phylum Echinodermata. Unlike true starfish (Asteroidea), brittle stars have long, slender arms distinct from their central disc. This specimen demonstrates the typical five-armed structure, with fine segmentation visible along the rays. The arms are flexible and jointed, which in life allowed the animal to move quickly across the seafloor. Notable traits of Palaeocoma include its relatively narrow arms and well-defined central disc, features that make identification straightforward for experienced palaeontologists.

The family Ophiuridae, to which this species belongs, is still represented today by living brittle stars, which inhabit a wide range of marine environments worldwide. This continuity between fossil and modern forms highlights the evolutionary success and resilience of brittle stars over hundreds of millions of years.

Depositional Environment and Scientific Importance

The Eype Starfish Bed formed in a shallow marine environment with fine sediment deposition, which rapidly buried and preserved fragile organisms before they could disarticulate. This unique preservation has made Eype an important palaeontological site, yielding specimens studied by researchers to better understand Jurassic echinoderm evolution, palaeoecology, and faunal diversity. Collectors value these fossils not only for their beauty but also for their contribution to ongoing scientific research and their role in illustrating ancient ecosystems.

Provenance and Preparation

Your specimen of Palaeocoma egertoni was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on the 29th of April 2023. After discovery, it was meticulously cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, ensuring both stability and clarity of detail. The preparation process brings out the natural morphology without artificial enhancement, preserving the fossil in its most authentic form. The included photographs show the exact piece you will receive, accompanied by a 1 cm scale cube for accurate size reference.

Authenticity and Collectability

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The rarity of Palaeocoma egertoni from the Eype Starfish Bed makes this an outstanding addition to any serious fossil collection, museum exhibit, or educational display. Its exceptional preservation, provenance from a world-renowned site, and detailed preparation ensure both scientific value and aesthetic appeal.

This fossil represents not only a remarkable natural wonder but also a tangible connection to the ancient seas of the Early Jurassic, where brittle stars like Palaeocoma thrived nearly 200 million years ago.