Crinoid Specimen (09)

Crinoids, often called sea lilies, are marine animals related to modern sea stars and sea urchins. Anchored to the seafloor by a long stalk, they used their feathery arms to filter tiny food particles from the ancient ocean. This exceptional Scyphocrinites elegans Specimen was discovered in the Sahara Desert of Morocco and dates to the Silurian Period, approximately 420 million years ago, when much of North Africa was covered by a warm, shallow tropical sea. This specimen features  great detail, color, and preservation. The background has been stained slightly to enhance contrast.