Distinctive fossils like this conulariid have been found in 200–205 million-year-old rocks from Southland. The identity of this extinct group of animals is unknown, but many scientists consider that they represent a polyp stage of ancient staurozoan jellyfish. About 5 centimetres high, the fossil has the shape of an elongated pyramid. The alternate rows of markings on the surface are a feature of conulariids.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Private collection
by Hamish Campbell
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.