Agaricocrinus

Agaricocrinus is a genus of extinct crinoids, belonging to the family Coelocrinidae.

Agaricocrinus Temporal range: Carboniferous PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N [1]
Fossil specimen of Agaricocrinus splendens from United States, on display at Galerie de paléontologie et d'anatomie comparée in Paris
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Echinodermata
Class:	Crinoidea
Family:	Coelocrinidae
Genus:	Agaricocrinus Austin 1851

These stationary upper-level epifaunal suspension feeders lived in the Carboniferous period and in the Osagean age of United States, from 353.8 to 345.0 Ma.^[1][2]

Selected species

• Agaricocrinus americanus Roemer
• Agaricocrinus splendens Miller and Gurley

Description

Like extant crinoids, Agaricocrinus species was anchored to a hard surface by a holdfast out of which grew an articulated stalk. On top of this was a calyx with a number of feather-like arms. Each arm bore short branches known as pinnules and from these cirri were extended which sifted plankton from the water flowing past.^[3]