Fossil Bass Fish

THE SCIENCE

This rare fossil of Ophiura sp., a brittle star, dates back an astonishing 450 million years to the Ordovician Period—a time when marine life exploded in diversity and complexity. Brittle stars, close relatives of modern starfish, are echinoderms known for their slender, flexible arms and central disc-shaped bodies. Unlike starfish, brittle stars use their arms for rapid, sinuous movement across the seafloor.

Fossils of brittle stars are particularly scarce due to the fragility of their skeletal structure, which tends to disintegrate quickly after death. This specimen, preserved in fine sediment from the Kataoua Formation of Morocco, is an exceptional example—capturing remarkable detail from an organism that once inhabited the ancient oceans that covered much of the globe.

THE STORY

Discovered in El Kaid Rami, Morocco, this fossil speaks to the long evolutionary history of echinoderms and the dynamic ecosystems of Earth’s distant past. Its preservation offers both scientific insight and natural beauty, making it a fascinating addition to any fossil collection or natural history display.

 

DETAILS

SKU: FS-SL0007
Dimensions: Matrix: ~4.5"L x 3"W x 0.5"H
Specimen: 3.5-4.5"
Scientific Name: Ophiura sp.
Origin: El Kaid Rami, Morocco
Period: Ordovician Period
Age: ~450 million years
Shipping Restrictions: None.