In the summer of 2020, while working to expand our knowledge of the Silurian deposits in the Temiskaming region, we discovered this fascinating new genus/species. Much, much rarer than the Thalassocystis algea which can be found in massive lenses, Eartonella has fine branching arms and an almost crinoid-like appearance and shows up in singles. After sending what would become the holotype to the University of Michigan, we were shocked to find out that this was not only a new species but a totally new genus as well! In 2022 the paper describing Eartonella was published in the Journal of Paleontology of which we were honored to be a part of.
Eartonella fredricksi
Earlton fm, Stormbed Quarry
Temiskaming shores, Northern Ontario, Canada
Silurian (Llandovery)
Eartonella fredricksi - Rare Silurian algae
*includes both pos/neg*
The nicest single example found as of August 2024. The block was cut to size so that both pieces can be displayed together. The two halves have been lightly coated with a sealant for protection. Photos have been taken under alcohol to enchance details, last two photos are taken dry.