Loriolaster mirablilis
Loriolaster is one of the most attractive brittle stars in Bundenbach, therefore the species name “mirabilis”, the “elegant”. A characteristic feature is the thin smooth skin, which extends almost to the tips of the arms and is often damaged during preparation. Both covering skin sides are fused at the edge without a prominent rim. The oral skeleton consists of the greatly enlarged ambulacralia and the strong mouth corner pieces. A madropore plate is not proven. The spines are embedded in the covering skin and served to support the disk skin. Because of its size, about 20 cm spread out, slabs of Loriolaster are often trimmed.
Brittle star from the classic Bundenbach fossil deposit (extinct) with outstanding details on an unbroken matrix. Increasingly rare to find in this quality.
Loriolaster mirablilis (XL)
11 cm (fossil), 16×11 cm (matrix)
Bundenbach, Eschenbach quarry
