RARE 6″ Clypeaster altus Fossil Echinoid Miocene Spain A-Grade Pozo Canada

Description

Rare 6″ Clypeaster altus Fossil Echinoid – Middle Miocene, Pozo Cañada, Albacete, Spain

This RARE 6″ Clypeaster altus fossil echinoid is an exceptional and highly sought-after specimen from the Middle Miocene marine deposits of Pozo Cañada, Albacete, Spain. Large, well-preserved fossil sand dollars of this species are uncommon, especially with such fine surface detail and structural completeness. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with 1 cm scale cubes included for accurate sizing. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Formation

This echinoid comes from the Middle Miocene (approximately 15–11 million years ago), a time when warm, shallow seas covered significant portions of what is now southeastern Spain. The region formed part of the Western Mediterranean Basin, characterised by carbonate-rich marine shelves, coastal lagoons, and gently sloping seabeds that provided the ideal habitat for echinoids, molluscs, and other benthic marine life.

The fossil-bearing sediments of Pozo Cañada consist predominantly of fine-grained limestone and calcareous sandstone, often deposited in low-energy environments that aided in the preservation of delicate skeletal structures.

Fossil Type, Species, and Classification

Fossil Type

• Echinoid (Sea Urchin / Sand Dollar) – a member of the phylum Echinodermata, known for their radial symmetry and intricate skeletal architecture.

Species and Taxonomy

• Species: Clypeaster altus
• Genus: Clypeaster
• Family: Clypeasteridae
• Order: Clypeasteroida
• Class: Echinoidea
• Phylum: Echinodermata

The genus Clypeaster includes some of the earliest true “sand dollars,” characterised by a rigid, disc-like test and star-shaped internal support structure.

Morphological Features

This large specimen displays the classic traits of Clypeaster altus, including:

• A thick, elevated test (shell), more domed than most modern sand dollars
• Distinct five-rayed petaloid pattern, representing specialised respiratory tube feet
• Well-defined lunules or internal openings, depending on variation
• Fine ambulacral plate detail preserved across the dorsal surface
• Robust marginal rim, typical of the species, providing structural support
• Clear ventral features, often including subtle food-gathering grooves

The combination of size, clarity of detail, and overall form makes this a scientifically important and visually striking example of Miocene echinoid preservation.

Depositional Environment

The Pozo Cañada area during the Miocene was a warm, shallow marine shelf with:

• Calm sedimentation
• Sandbanks and shoals where echinoids thrived
• High carbonate productivity from coralline algae and shells
• Periodic storm events that buried marine organisms rapidly

These conditions resulted in excellent preservation, particularly for large, robust species like Clypeaster altus.

Scientific and Paleontological Significance

Clypeaster altus is a key taxon for understanding evolutionary transitions within the Clypeasteroida, particularly the development of:

• Structural reinforcement within the test
• Petaloid respiratory adaptations
• Feeding strategies related to sediment sifting
• Paleoenvironmental indicators of Miocene coastal seas

Fossils of this species contribute to reconstructions of Miocene marine ecosystems in the Western Mediterranean Basin and help define local biostratigraphic units used in regional geological mapping.

Collector Grade and Display Appeal

This specimen has been selected for its:

• Exceptional size (approximately 6″)
• Strong structural integrity
• Sharp preservation of petaloid and plate features
• Smooth, naturally mineralised surface
• High aesthetic appeal for display

Large, intact Clypeaster altus specimens of this quality are increasingly scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

Ideal for Collectors, Museums, and Natural History Displays

A fossil of this calibre is a superb addition to any collection of echinoids, marine fossils, or Miocene fauna. Its impressive size, rarity, and scientific importance make it an outstanding display specimen that highlights the beauty and complexity of ancient marine life.