Rhizocorallium

   

 

A non-branching, horizontal to slightly inclined, U-shaped trace with a peripheral tunnel and concave laminations called spreite between the tunnels. It is more or less a horizontal version of a vertical U-shaped trace with spreite known as Diplocraterion. Rhizocorallium is generally found in shallow-marine rocks, and it has been suggested that it is a combination feeding trace/dwelling burrow of an annelid worm, or possibly even some sort of arthropod, such as a burrowing shrimp. When Ophiomorpha and Thalassinoides burrows contain meniscate backfilling, they can be confused with Rhizocorallium.

 

Examples of Rhizocorallium Trace Fossils

Rhizocorallium in outcrop
Phacoides SS (Miocene Temblor Fm)
Salt Creek, Temblor Range
San Joaquin Valley

Rhizocorallium in outcrop
(below lens cap - Macaronichnus left of cap)
Phacoides SS (Miocene Temblor Fm)
Salt Creek, Temblor Range
San Joaquin Valley.

Rhizocorallium in outcrop
Eocene Point of Rocks Fm
Salt Creek, Temblor Range
San Joaquin Valley.

Rhizocorallium in core
Phacoides SS (Miocene Temblor Fm)
17-2N well, South Belridge oil field
San Joaquin Valley