Fossil "Pentacrinites dichotomus"

Early Jurassic, Sinemurum stage, c. 190.8–199.3 million years ago, Charmouth, West Dorset, England, from a private collection in the Netherlands.

Crinoids or sea lilies (Crinoidea) are a group of plant-like invertebrate animals belonging to the main order of echinoderms (Echinodermata). The name of the species comes from the Greek word "krinon" (lily) and "eidos" (shape). The term "sea lilies" can refer to the entire class Crinoidea, but it can also mean only the stemmed members of the class, while the stemless ones are called hair stars (Comatulida). About 600 living species are known from the class of sea lilies. Some of these live in the depths of the oceans (up to a depth of over 9,000 meters), while others live in shallow (approx. 200 meters in depth) coral reefs. More than 5,000 species have been identified from the fossils. Sea lilies developed already in the Ordovician period approx. 485 million years ago, or possibly much earlier.

Pentacrinites was an ancient sea lily genus whose fossils are known from the Middle Triassic to Eocene period. The stems of sea lilies of the genus Pentacrinites were pentagonal or star-shaped. In addition, the species can be recognized by the long, unbranched and lower-growing extensions (cirri) around the stem.

First class, highly detailed fossilized sea lily (Pentacrinites dichotomus) stalks, appendages and tentacles in flat bottom sediments. In excellent condition. Great patina. Age-appropriate wear. The size of the sediment is approx. 14.5cm x 8.5cm x 1.8cm. Weight approx. 280g.