Ordovician Crinoid (sea lily) Fossil

Glyptocrinus (?)
Brechin, Ontario
Bobcaygeon Formation
Ordovician Period
Approx. 460 million years old

Crinoids or "sea lilies" are marine creatures which superficially resemble flowers but actually are filter-feeding animals, most of which had stalks and attached themselves to the sea floor by rootlike holdfasts, capturing small food particles that drifted into their many radiating arms. Some species are still alive today, but many extinct species, like the fossil offered here, thrived in ancient oceans long before dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Most crinoid fossils consist of just columnals (stem segments) or perhaps a longer stem segment or cup lacking arms. The specimen featured in this auction shows many arms plus portions of the crown or head, and a lengthy stem segment, all connected, making it a very nice example. The fossil has been professionally prepared to show all possible details, such as the fine arm structures. Photos below show entire fossil and close-up of the crown and arms. See ruler in first photo for scale. Comes with an identification label and brochure on crinoids. Buyer to pay $4.50 shipping in the United States. Thanks.