Brachiopods- Microspirifer (Fossils)

Brachiopods were one of the most common marine animals throughout the Cambrian period 450 million years ago. These bottom dwellers had two shells or valves that are joined along a common hinge. Brachiopods could be found along the ocean floor, where they would attach themselves with a pedicle (a type of feeler) from their backs. Brachiopods eat their food by filtering water, like a pump, pushing it in and out of its shell. Many reefs are composed of Brachiopods and in other environments where shale is isolated. Brachiopods can be found in clay sediments and in muddy conditions around water. Even though Brachiopods still survive today, they prefer cool, deep water conditions, and can be very rare. Note:) If Brachiopods are preserved well they can have amazingly delicate spines on their twin valves. Known occurrences of Brachiopods are Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.A. (North Atlantic coastline). Last year when visiting New York (Herkimer) I found many of these marine animals in the sediments along the West Canadian Creek.