Pentacrinus subangularis

Crinoid

Late Jurassic

Posideona Shale

Holzmaden, Germany 

Crinoids are assigned to the phylum Echinodermata, a group of radially symmetrical marine animals, such as starfish, sea urchins, and brittle stars. Crinoids are commonly referred to as "sea lilies".

These flower-like marine invertebrate animals are beautifully colored and live as solitary individuals. This species is characterized by a globular body enclosed by a small calyx, from which freely moving arms extended upward to gather food. At the bottom of the jointed, flexible stem was a root-like structure by which it was attached to the sea bottom.

During the past chemical alteration has replaced the original skeletal hard parts of the fossil with pyrite, also known as "fool’s gold."

An original specimen of this size would cost at least $5000- $8000.