RCFossils Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Octomedusa is a type Scyphozoan jellyfish. It is the smallest described species of jellyfish that can be found in the Mazon Creek deposit. The bell can reach a maximum diameter of approximately 2 centimeters. Like all Cnidaria from Mazon Creek, they are only found in the marine portion of the deposit. In the faunal study that I have referenced in previous posts, Octomedusa made up .03% of 230,000 concretions collected. Often times, only the bell is preserved. Well preserved specimens will show 8 tentacles. Depending on orientation in the concretion, some specimens will show a crenulated edge around the bell. Most specimens show very little raised detail and often appear as just a color difference in the rock. A large “X” shaped mouth opening is preserved in some better specimens. This first specimen shows most of the defining features. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCFossils Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 A very nice specimen preserving all 8 tentacles (rare). 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCFossils Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCFossils Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 This specimen shows the crenulated edging around the bell. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCFossils Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 This amazing specimens is one of the favorites in my collection. It is a unique association of multiple Octomedusa surrounding an unusual and rare shrimp named Kellibrooksia macrogaster. 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 There are eight reasons I love this species. 1 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nimravis Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Very nice examples Rob, here are a few that I had handy to photograph tonight. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrangellian Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Wonderful. I've got one little Octomedusa specimen with only one tentacle that I can see... hardly worth taking a pic compared to these! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuMert Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Looks like I've found that faunal study but I couldn't locate any comprehensive statistic table. What am I doing wrong? My sites & reports Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCFossils Posted November 23, 2019 Author Share Posted November 23, 2019 11 hours ago, Nimravis said: Very nice examples Rob, here are a few that I had handy to photograph tonight. Nice specimens. Thanks for sharing them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deutscheben Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 3 hours ago, Wrangellian said: Wonderful. I've got one little Octomedusa specimen with only one tentacle that I can see... hardly worth taking a pic compared to these! I just have one specimen as well, but I love it- it is such a simple yet expressive fossil creature. These examples are so incredible, with all the delicate tentacles preserved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruger9a Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 Fantastic collection! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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