Lumbricaria with Crinoid Inclusions

Lumbricaria from Bavaria
Inclusions: 
Floating crinoids (Saccocoma?)
Composition: 
Location: 
Perner Quarry Solnhofen, Bavaria
Germany
DE
Dimensions: 
1 mm extrusion

This coprolite is loaded with floating crinoid bits. The second photo is a microscopic view of one of many areas on the surface where crinoid inclusions can be seen. The arrows point out some of those that are more recognizable.

The last photo is an example of a fossilized floating crinoid (Saccocoma sp.). They are very common in this formation. Examining the fossil remains of animals that haven't been eaten can help us recognize bits that survive the digestion process. Another great source for identification of Saccocoma inclusions 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.

This specimen looks very similar to the poop ejected by a modern day octopus. What do you think?

Gif of an octopus pooping