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Large horn coral Siphonophrentis elongata (commonly called a “tusk” coral) surrounded by other corals – dry and wet. Water makes the fossils more visible by darkening the limestone surrounding the fossils. This only works where the fossil beds are not coated with silt. Visitors are encouraged to bring water or a large cup to pour over the fossil beds for the best view. |
Colonial coral Acinophyllum, commonly called a “pipe organ” coral. It is related to horn corals. |
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Colonial coral Aulocystis, commonly called a “tube” coral. It is related to “honeycomb” coral. |
Colonial Favosites commonly called “honeycomb” coral are very common on the fossil beds. It superficially resembles a beehive. |
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Pleurodictyum is coral that resembles a wasp or hornet’s nest. It is a “honeycomb” coral with larger chambers. |
The branching colonial coral Thamnopora. Intact colonies like this are widespread on the fossil beds. |
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The massive branching coral Favosites (Emmonsia) ramosa forms very large colonies but not common.
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Eridophyllum “pipe organ” coral on the upper fossil beds. |
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Colonial rugose coral Prismatophyllum is the same as the ‘Petoskey Stones’ of Michigan.
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Compare the texture of the "honeycomb" coral on left and the stromatoporoid sponge on the right. The holes are from small horn corals within the sponge. |
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This stromatoporoid sponge looks like a wrinkled rock. The skeletal
structure is very small requiring a magnifying lens to be seen. |
Large horn coral Heliophyllum verticale. Note the numerous other corals. |
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Tabulophyllum is a horn coral that can be a centimeter or two wide and up to 30 cm long. It resembles a snake, but the fossil beds pre-date reptiles! |
Rock layer covered with large Turbinopsis snails, brachiopods and corals. This is on the upper fossil beds. |
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A calcite-filled joint fracture cuts across fossils. This is a stress fracture in the limestone bed rock. |
As you can see from these images, the fossils at the Falls of the Ohio come in a variety of shapes, patterns and sizes. The upper fossils beds (among the trees) contain great diversity of creatures and are exposed most of the year. The coral beds (lower fossil beds) have the largest fossils exposed here, however they are only visible when the river level is very low. Remember – take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but foot prints!
