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Crinoids (?Megistocrinus) from Lankey's Creek, Reefton
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Unnamed Crinoid
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Crinoids are common fossils in the Devonian Rocks of the Reefton and Baton River areas, often occurring as individual ossicles, or as short sections of stem comprising several linked ossicles. Frequently, they are arranged perpendicular to the bedding plane, as in the image above. In this orientation, the internal structure of the stem can be clearly seen, with its central rod, and the radiating rides (cerullae). These features can be useful in identification of crinoids, but for firm identification parts other than the stem are required. As far as can be ascertained, the same genus of crinoid occurs in the two areas.
The main genus found in New Zealand in the Devonian is Megistocrinus, and that may be the one represented here. |
Crinoid from Lankey's Creek, Reefton
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