Echmatocrinus
Extinct genus of marine invertebrates
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Echmatocrinus brachiatus is an extinct species of Cambrian animal which resembles a crinoid or an octocoral. Its exact taxonomy is still a subject of debate. It is known only from the Burgess Shale.[1] Around 20 specimens of Echmatocrinus are known; these comprise <0.02% of the community.[2][3]
| Echmatocrinus Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
| |
| Echmatocrinus brachiatus | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | incertae sedis |
| Genus: | †Echmatocrinus |
| Species: | †E. brachiatus |
| Binomial name | |
| †Echmatocrinus brachiatus Sprinkle 1973 | |
The creature resembled an inverted cone, with a crown of seven to ten tentacles.[3] Each tentacle was covered with small extensions. The cone itself was covered with irregularly arranged mineralised plates,[1] whose texture recalls that of the Burgess Shale echinoderm Walcottidiscus. The organisms lived a solitary lifestyle, although juveniles are sometimes attached to (or budding from) adults.[1]
