Ophiocistia
Ophiocistia
a class of extinct echinoderms; fossils are known from the Ordovician and Devonian periods in Europe. The small body measured from 1 to 6 cm across and was disklike or helmetlike in shape. The animal was covered with numerous faceted calcareous scales. The underside had several pairs of powerful tube feet, which were covered with small scales. Ophiocistia were motile predators. There were four families, embracing seven species. Ophiocistia are important for understanding the evolution of echinoderms.