Carpoid-Thoralicystis zagoraensis
Early Ordovician
Upper Fezouata Formation
Zagora
Morocco

20mm carpoid on 70mm slab

Thoralicystis zagoraensis is a rare and intriguing carpoid echinoderm from the Ordovician period of Morocco. Unlike typical star-shaped echinoderms, carpoids had asymmetrical bodies and likely crawled along the seafloor using a stalk or arm-like structure. Thoralicystis showcases the bizarre diversity of ancient echinoderms, with its armored plates and unusual body plan that defies modern classification. Exceptionally preserved and scientifically important, it’s a fossil puzzle piece from a time when life experimented with strange and wonderful forms.