Ordovician Brachiopod Fossils

The brachiopods are marine to brackish water bivalves which still exist today although in greatly reduced numbers. The brachiopods were at their peak during the Ordovician. Brachiopods come in two varieties, the articulates and the inarticulates. The articulates are more advanced and more interesting. The brachiopods found today are found only in very cold water or in very deep water and so don't appear to be common.

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Class:Articulata
Order:Orthida

Genus/species:	Platystrophia clarksvillensis
Images
Notes:	Apparently intact specimen partially encased in surrounding matrix. 3 cm wide.

Genus/species:	Platystrophia acutilirata
Images
Notes:	Specimen measures 3.97 cm wide.

Class:Articulata
Order:Orthida

Genus/species:	Herbertella sp.
Images
Notes:	Specimen partially encased in matrix. Approx 4.2 cm wide.

Class:Articulata
Order:Orthida

Genus/species:	Herbertella sp.
Images
Notes:	Specimen is 3.62 cm wide, 3 cm deep, and 1.4 cm tall.

Class:Articulata

Genus/species:	Rafinesquina ponderosa
Images
Notes:	Inside of the brachial valve with 4 muscle scars visible. Measures 5.95 cm across.

Class:Articulata
Order:Impunctate
Superfamily:Orthacea

Genus/species:	Catazyga headi
Images
Notes:	Specimen as shown in pictures is 2.76 cm wide. Note the smooth characteristics of this specimen.

Class:Articulata

Genus/species:	Hiscobeccus capax
Images
Notes:	Nicely preserved specimen with small amounts of matrix scattered across the surface.

Class:Articulata
Order:Orthida

Genus/species:	Onniella meeki
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Notes:	Nicely preserved specimen 2.1 cm wide.

Class:Articulata
Order:Strophomenida

Genus/species:	Leptaena richmondensis
Images
Notes:	Specimen as shown in photograph is 3.9 cm wide