Lumbricaria with Crinoid Inclusions

Crinoid Crunchies
Inclusions: 
Floating crinoids (Saccocoma) fragments
Composition: 
Location: 
Bavaria
Germany
DE
Dimensions: 
Approx. 2.1-2.4 dia. cord

If you look at many specimens on this website, you may notice I often mention that coprolite fragments can be some of the most interesting specimens. In this case, we have a small piece of what was likely a long, tangled string of coprolite. It probably wasn't fully prepped because it was a small fragment. Because matrix (the rock or sediment surrounding a fossil) is still present in surface crevices, the undigested crinoid bits are more clearly visible.

The last photo is an example of a fossilized floating crinoid (Saccocoma sp.). Examples like this can help identify inclusions found in coprolites. Another great source that can help with the identification inclusions of this type is Functional anatomy and mode of life of the latest Jurassic crinoid Saccocoma by Michał Brodacki (2006). The paper contains detailed images of individual body parts.