Holdfasts of Sphenothallus (Cnidaria) from the early Silurian of western North Greenland (Laurentia)

Well-preserved holdfasts and early growth stages of the tubular cnidarian Sphenothallus are described from the early Silurian (Llandovery Series) of Washington Land, North Greenland. The diameter of the holdfast is determined by the formation of a basal disc attached to the substrate, upon which the initially conical, but subsequently tubular shell is formed. The characteristic opposing longitudinal thickenings are developed at each angular margin as the initially circular tube acquires an elliptical form.