Large Crinoid Colony

Large Crinoid Colony
Scyphocrinus elegans
Silurian and Devonian
Morocco
Popularly known as sea lilies due to their plant-like appearance, crinoids are marine invertebrates which evolved flower-like (calyxes) in order to sift plankton from seawater for feeding. Unlike most species of crinoids, Scyphocrinus elegans evolved a ball-like structure, or lobolith, which acted as a buoy, allowing the creature to float and drift rather than requiring a root attachment. In the present offering, a richly textural, large, art-like presentation of numerous sea lily specimens rests within the rust-toned matrix of the locality, its beautiful color derived from the presence of iron oxide in the matrix.
Measuring 67 x 51 1/2in