#Ophiura fossil

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[geologyin-blog]

Starfish Ophiura sp. and Eocrinoid Fossil

from: Morocco

Age: Ordovician

Photo: FossilsByJosef

[bijoux-et-mineraux]

Asteroidea and Brittle Starfish Fossils on matrix (Ordovician, 488 - 433 million years) from Morocco

Sea levels were at their highest levels of the Paleozoic Era during the Ordovician Period and saw water temperatures of more than 110° F. These conditions allowed marine life to flourish and led to wide diversification. It is during this time that sea stars (from the class Asteroidea) and brittle stars (from the class Ophiuroidea) diverged.

Sea stars, or starfish, tend to have legs that are wider and more connected to one another. They had tubular feet enabling them to move. Brittle stars on the other hand had narrower, more flexible arms that they wiggled in order to move around the sea floor. The type of brittle star fossils found in Morocco are of the genus Ophiura and are characterized by a disc-like body with long, thin legs radially arranged around it. In fossil plates their wavy arms give the appearance of dancing.

Although many Starfish are carnivores, feeding upon small fish, oysters and mollusks, some Starfish are omnivorous, supplementing their diets with organic particles such as algae. As Starfish have been living in our seas and oceans for close to 1/2 billion years with very little change in their anatomy they are a classic example of what is referred to as a "living fossil".

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.