Beschreibung:

Traumatocrinus Triassic Guizhou Province, China This extremely large crinoid displays an impressive 8.5-inch inflated crown and a 15-inch stem. The excellent crown is fully inflated with nine thick arms and finely detailed pinnules between the arms with thorn-like interlocking structures. Nicely centered on richly colored black matrix, this fossil represents an uncommon occurrence as complete crinoids with crown and stem from this locality are extremely rare. Two additional crinoid stems are seen on this plate as well. Relatives of starfish, crinoids are echinoids. They are known as "sea lilies" as they resemble a plant more than an animal. This species attaches itself to the sea bottom. Matrix measures 23 x 12in; Specimen measures 20in