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VERY RARE STARFISH MASS MORTALITY FOSSIL FROM AUSTRALIA WITH BOTH SIDES SHOWING STARFISH Heathcote, Australia SILURIAN PERIOD: 430 million years ago This is a highly unique and beautiful starfish fossil as well as having a very rare provenance coming from the Australian continent. The species is Australaster giganteus. The rock shows evidence of a mass mortality event where numerous starfish perished roughly 430 million years ago. BOTH sides of the matrix exhibit superb starfish fossils of the finest preservation as shown above. The absolutely beautiful contrasting cream, gold and mustard tones are COMPLETELY NATURAL, not painted as many slab fossils are. Fantastic detail has been wonderfully preserved in this specimen. From an old collection and not to be repeated. NO REPAIR, RESTORATION OR ENHANCEMENT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Starfish (scientifically known as ASTEROIDS and OPHIUROIDS) first appear in the fossil record in the Lower Ordovician. They are members of the phylum Echinodermata, the largest phylum of strictly marine creatures. Starfish are included in this group along with animals such as sea urchins, sea cucumbers and sand dollars. Most living echinoderms have a five-fold symmetry called PENTAMERAL. This is not always the case though, and despite the common five arms, there are starfish species that have many more then just five. Echinoderms have an internal water canal system and tube feet with suckers that they use to move, burrow and grasp objects. Because of their overall fragile nature, starfish are rarely preserved as complete specimens. SUPERB DISPLAY FOSSIL FROM AN EXTREMELY RARE LOCATION NOT COMMERCIALLY WORKED! 4.5" x 3" overall in matrix with starfish 1.25" in width SOLD SF011 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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