Starting an Epibionte study of Athyris spiriferiodes

[fossilcrazy]

I thought about doing a personal study of the relationship of Athyris spiriferoides, in relation to other abyssal species that shared seafloor space with these Brachiopods.  

I have over 900 samples for the population study and now it's time to count brachs with nothing on them and all others with signs of the other species. So far most are symbiotic, a few shown signs of predatory sponge borings. To name some friendly attachments: bryzoans, crinoids, corals and some affinities I need to look up. I'll plan on highlighting examples and findings later.

[fossilcrazy]

A sample drawing and typical Athyris.

[Tidgy's Dad]

Very, very interesting, I will be most interested to see your results and conclusions and to see photos of the various epibionts on the brachiopods. 

Fascinating, thank you. 

[Fossildude19]

This is an ambitious undertaking! 

Good luck with it!

Looking forward to the results as well.

[Wrangellian]

That's a whole lotta brachs - and all one species!

Will be watching for your results.

[Mediospirifer]

That is an impressive collection.

 

I'll be interested to see what critters you find living on the shells. I don't remember noticing any epibionts on any of my Athyris specimens (I have maybe a couple dozen); I'll have to dig them out and look!