Scyphocrinites
sp. aff. elegans
Geological
Time: Upper Silurian
Size (25.4
mm = 1 inch): 115 mm long by 145 mm wide Stem: 10 mm,
on a 115 by 130 mm matrix
Fossil Site:
Boutschrafin, Erfoud, Morocco
Fossil Code:
07022
Price: Sold
Description:
Well preserved example of a distinctive Camerate crinoid type. This
fine example is of the genus Scyphocrinites (Family Scyphocrinitidae).
Scyphocrinites was a cosmopolitan crinoid with examples found of
similar ages in the United States, Africa, Europe, and Asia. It
has an intricate calyx with many stellate plates. A bulbous structure
called Camarocrinus has been associated with these crinoids, and
is the reason for its widespread existence in the Upper Silurian/Lower
Devonian. This structure is believed to be a float, with the crinoid
leading a pelagic existence, allowing it to cover much territory.
They are sometimes found in mass associations. This is a fine example
of this variety of Camerate crinoid to be found in the late Silurian
deposits of Morocco, with much detail to the calyx, and many fine
pinnules present. There are several other stems present as well.
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