Rhyncholampas Sea Urchin Fossil

This sea urchin fossil (enchinoid) is called Rhyncholampas gouldii. It is found in the Tamiami Formation of Suwannee County, Florida. The creature existed 2.5-5 million years ago (Pliocene Epoch/Neogene Period/Cenozoic Age).  The fossil was in a white, chalky matrix.

Classification:

• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Cassiduloida
• Family: Cassidulidae
• Genus: Rhyncholampus
• Species: gouldii

Thanks to Mary Ann for the fossils and my cousin Kenny for cleaning them up using sand/air abrasive cleaning. Unfortunately, I did not take any before pictures but they looked like Mexican wedding cookies (a little mound covered powdered sugar).