Rhyncholampas gouldii Fossil Echinoid Oligocene Florida USA Authentic Collector Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
£ 24.00
Offered here is a Rhyncholampas gouldii fossil echinoid from the Oligocene
epoch, discovered in Florida, USA. Dating back approximately 34–23 million years, this specimen represents one of the most distinctive irregular echinoids of the Cenozoic. Known for its heart-shaped test and specialised adaptations for burrowing, Rhyncholampas gouldii is both scientifically important and visually striking.The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate measurement. Every fossil we sell is a 100% genuine specimen and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring both provenance and reliability. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT: OLIGOCENE MARINE DEPOSITSDuring the Oligocene epoch, much of Florida was submerged beneath shallow, subtropical seas that formed part of a broad carbonate platform. These seas supported a rich diversity of life including molluscs, echinoids, corals, and other marine invertebrates. The limestone and sandy marl deposits that formed during this time preserved an outstanding fossil record, capturing the transition between earlier Paleogene faunas and those of the later Neogene.The preservation of Rhyncholampas gouldii within these Oligocene deposits provides crucial evidence for the distribution of echinoids across the Gulf Coastal Plain and their adaptation to soft-sediment, warm-water environments. THE SPECIES: RHYNCHOLAMPAS GOULDIIRhyncholampas gouldii belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, class Echinoidea, order Cassiduloida, and family Cassidulidae. Unlike the more symmetrical regular echinoids such as sea urchins, this species is an irregular echinoid or “heart urchin.”Notable morphological traits include:
• A slightly elongate, heart-shaped test with bilateral symmetry.
• Well-developed anterior groove used for sediment intake.
• Petaloid ambulacra on the dorsal surface for respiration and tube foot function.
• A flattened base with peristome positioned forward, reflecting its adaptation as an infaunal burrower.These features allowed Rhyncholampas gouldii to thrive beneath the seafloor surface, feeding on organic matter and detritus within marine sediments. SCIENTIFIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL DETAILS
• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Cassiduloida
• Family: Cassidulidae
• Genus: Rhyncholampas
• Species: Rhyncholampas gouldii
• Age: Oligocene (c. 34–23 Ma)
• Locality: Florida, USA
• Lifestyle: Infaunal burrower, deposit feeder
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine carbonate platformThis echinoid species is widely recognised among paleontologists and collectors for its distinct morphology and abundance in Florida’s Oligocene marine strata. COLLECTOR AND DISPLAY SIGNIFICANCEA Rhyncholampas gouldii fossil echinoid makes an exceptional addition to any collection, particularly for enthusiasts of echinoderms or Cenozoic marine fossils. Its unique shape, detailed preservation, and historical context within the Oligocene seas of Florida make it both a scientific specimen and a display piece of natural beauty.Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity, this specimen represents not only a snapshot of Florida’s ancient marine ecosystems but also a highly desirable piece for collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts worldwide.
epoch, discovered in Florida, USA. Dating back approximately 34–23 million years, this specimen represents one of the most distinctive irregular echinoids of the Cenozoic. Known for its heart-shaped test and specialised adaptations for burrowing, Rhyncholampas gouldii is both scientifically important and visually striking.The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate measurement. Every fossil we sell is a 100% genuine specimen and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring both provenance and reliability. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT: OLIGOCENE MARINE DEPOSITSDuring the Oligocene epoch, much of Florida was submerged beneath shallow, subtropical seas that formed part of a broad carbonate platform. These seas supported a rich diversity of life including molluscs, echinoids, corals, and other marine invertebrates. The limestone and sandy marl deposits that formed during this time preserved an outstanding fossil record, capturing the transition between earlier Paleogene faunas and those of the later Neogene.The preservation of Rhyncholampas gouldii within these Oligocene deposits provides crucial evidence for the distribution of echinoids across the Gulf Coastal Plain and their adaptation to soft-sediment, warm-water environments. THE SPECIES: RHYNCHOLAMPAS GOULDIIRhyncholampas gouldii belongs to the phylum Echinodermata, class Echinoidea, order Cassiduloida, and family Cassidulidae. Unlike the more symmetrical regular echinoids such as sea urchins, this species is an irregular echinoid or “heart urchin.”Notable morphological traits include:
• A slightly elongate, heart-shaped test with bilateral symmetry.
• Well-developed anterior groove used for sediment intake.
• Petaloid ambulacra on the dorsal surface for respiration and tube foot function.
• A flattened base with peristome positioned forward, reflecting its adaptation as an infaunal burrower.These features allowed Rhyncholampas gouldii to thrive beneath the seafloor surface, feeding on organic matter and detritus within marine sediments. SCIENTIFIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL DETAILS
• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Cassiduloida
• Family: Cassidulidae
• Genus: Rhyncholampas
• Species: Rhyncholampas gouldii
• Age: Oligocene (c. 34–23 Ma)
• Locality: Florida, USA
• Lifestyle: Infaunal burrower, deposit feeder
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine carbonate platformThis echinoid species is widely recognised among paleontologists and collectors for its distinct morphology and abundance in Florida’s Oligocene marine strata. COLLECTOR AND DISPLAY SIGNIFICANCEA Rhyncholampas gouldii fossil echinoid makes an exceptional addition to any collection, particularly for enthusiasts of echinoderms or Cenozoic marine fossils. Its unique shape, detailed preservation, and historical context within the Oligocene seas of Florida make it both a scientific specimen and a display piece of natural beauty.Delivered with a Certificate of Authenticity, this specimen represents not only a snapshot of Florida’s ancient marine ecosystems but also a highly desirable piece for collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts worldwide.
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