Holocrinid columnals from the Upper Muschelkalk of the Holy Cross Mts.

Abstract

A few isolated columnals of a holocrinid have been found in Ladinian Upper Muschelkalk deposits (probably Ceratites Beds) in the Świślina valley (northern margin of the Holy Cross Mts.). Although they are poorly preserved and not diagnostic at species level, this is the first occurrence of the genus Holocrinus in the Upper Muschelkalk of the eastern part of the Germanic Basin. This  crinoid indicates faunal immigration from the Tethys through reactivated East-Carpathian Gate.