Fossil Starfish. "Brittle Star" Pentasteria lonispina. Ordovician. Ktaoua Formation. Mecissi, Sahara Desert, M...

Description

Fossil Starfish
"Brittle Star" Pentasteria lonispina
Ordovician
Ktaoua Formation
Mecissi, Sahara Desert, Morocco
5.87 x 4.83 x 1.11 inches (14.91 x 12.28 x 2.83 cm)

This fantastic, rust-red "Brittle Star" seems to leap across a dark remnant matrix slab, the flowing form captured in a moment of suspended motion. These small examples of Pentasteria are fluid and dynamic, with rounded central bodies and finely segmented, whip-like arms that radiate outward in graceful arcs. The natural contrast between the vibrant fossils and the muted matrix adds to the dramatic visual appeal. Carefully uncovered and expertly prepared, this particular specimen showcases an impressive level of preservation and anatomical clarity with an additional partial fossil to the side. This ancient plate from Morocco is an excellent example of the exceptional fossil material found in the arid reaches of the Sahara Desert.



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