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Hi all, I don't know much about brachiopods beyond general recognition. Since I found that little unidentified echinoid(?) I have decided to prep some of the loose brachs that I found on a recent trip to Fillmore Co., MN. The complete brachiopod here appears to have been attached to another brachiopod shell. So here are my questions. 1. Can anyone identify the brachiopod? (I am assuming they are the same species) 2. Would this be considered an unarticulated brachiopod? 3. I haven't finished prepping the interior of partial brachiopod. I wasn't sure what to call it so I referred to it as the host shell in the photo. It has what almost looks like an open crack. Any idea what might have caused this? There are little black specs surrounding it. Could this have been caused by another brach pedicle? When I was prepping it, it kind of reminded me of a burrow lined with tiny fecal pellets - but my imagination does tend to get the best of me. As always, thanks for your help! @minnbuckeye @Bev @Tidgy's Dad