Geocoma libanotica Brittle Star

Geocoma libanotica are a species of brittle stars which lived during the late Cretaceous period approximately 95 million years ago in what is now Lebanon. These particular species have also been described from European localities but with specimens around 50 million years older. They are preserved on a beige coloured, fine grained micritic limestone known as lagerstatten, however, despite their delicate appearance, one can still clearly see the animals shape and arms and are complete. They come from the famous Hakel deposits, an are well known for exceptionally preserved fish and crustaceans in the world in a large abundance. It is believed that 95 million years ago, the areas was a warm coast line and home to a number of flora and fauna, however, an event (which still occurs to this day) known as ‘waterbloom’ occurred at the waters surface in which plankton developed in such a large quantity, which not only depleted oxygen within the area but also released toxic chemicals into the surroundings as well, causing a mass death of organism in a short period of time. These particular samples of brittle star fossils measure around 30 mm in size resting on a matrix cut into 10 x 10 cm squares. They come supplied with a stand and information label, suitable for enthusiasts, young collectors or educational use.