1.1" Cretaceous Echinoid (Anorthopygus) Fossil - Texas

Cretaceous Echinoid (Anorthopygus) Fossil - Texas #287318

This is a 1.1" fossil echinoid (sea urchin) of the species Anorthopygus texanus from the Lower Cretaceous Boracho Formation in Culberson County, Texas. It shows fantastic three-dimensional preservation, and is still partially embedded in its host rock.

Sea urchins are a type of echinoderm that are still living relatively unchanged today. They live at the bottom of soft ocean floors and have long spines protruding from their central bodies. They move along the bottom of the ocean using many small feet while feeding on various plant and animal matter.