Horridonia horrida  Sowerby 1822

brachiopod

life-size model

Zoological classification

Phylum: Brachiopoda

Class: Strophomenata

Order: Productida

Family: Productidae

Further information

Productida existed  since the late Ordovician 460 Million years ago. Horridonia horrida is a brachiopod which disappeared in the Upper Permian about 245 Million years ago.

Like other brachiopods Horridonia horrida has two valves (shell sections) which cover the surface of the animal. The valves are termed pedicle and brachial. The pedicle valve is typically larger than the brachial. When the valves are open the lophophore can been seen in the pedicle valve, used for respiration and filtering food out of the water. Horridonia horrida shows a lot of spines especially at its pedicle valve, while at the brachial valve are just spines at its cardinal area. Different to other brachiopods Horridonia has no stalk-like pedicle like most brachiopods have for attaching themselves to the substrate. The spines were obviously needed to protect the specimen from sinking in soft sediment and fixing it. Horridonia seems to live partially below the sediment-water interface but protruding above it.

There are 6 subspecies known of Horridonia horrida which are important as key fossils in the late Permian (Zechstein). We based our model on fossils of Horridonia horrida bufoninus which were collected by Wolfgang Munk.

Period

Upper Ordovician - Upper Permian

Description of the model:

We offer two models one with closes and one with open valves. The model with open valves shows the lophophore, a crown of tentacles whose fine hairs create a water current that enables them to filter food particles out of the water.

The models were cast using high quality epoxy resin and were coloured using non-fade paint and varnish. The spines are made of flexible plastic, except a few which are made of stainless steel. The tips of the spines are flourescing blue by black light.

Dimension:

width of the cardinal area: 6 cm

space requirement with spines about 23 x 17 x 12 cm

 

Price:

1 model with closed valves: 430,00 €

1 model with open valves: 580,00 €

Our prices are quoted net and do not include packaging and freight.
Please respect our Conditions of delivery and payment.

Referencing address:

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C. Kurz: Naturmuseum im Ottoneum Kassel