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GIANT 8 INCH JURASSIC SHRIMP FOSSIL FROM SOLNHOFEN ON LARGE LITHOGRAPHIC LIMESTONE SLAB Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone Formation - Eichstatt, Germany UPPER JURASSIC PERIOD (MALM): 154 - 144 million years ago Famous for producing an astonishing diversity of rare and most intricately preserved fossils found anywhere in the world, the Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone Formation of southern Germany is legendary. In light of the quality of fossils that are found in the Solnhofen Formation, this is a RARE MONSTER-SIZE example of the extinct shrimp, Antrimpos sp.. Fine quality Solnhofen fossils are now so rare that most come from old private collections as this specimen did. This species of shrimp from the Jurassic, is mostly found in sizes around 2 inches in length. Lengths of four inches are not common but at EIGHT INCHES, this is an ENORMOUS example and this measurement is just of the body from the tail tip to the tip of the head - not the antennae which are nearly as long as the entire shrimp! The carapace on the tail is well-mineralized and fragmented on the thorax. Original fossil impressions for the legs and antennae are in the stone and have been artificially highlighted for better contrast of these natural fossil impressions. 100% GENUINE! Fossil is on a large UNBROKEN slab of its original limestone. NO RESTORATION - FOSSIL IS COMPLETE. The majority of crustacean fossils on lithographic limestone from both Germany and Lebanon ARE artificially enhanced in some way. This often occurs by painting on fine detail of appendages and antennae at the least all the way to painting an entire animal where one did not exist. This is unfortunately the norm with these fossils and numerous websites and Ebay auctions feature these heavily restored fossils being sold as '100% genuine' instead of being disclosed accurately. If you examine the images above and of the other crustacean fossils we offer in this section and compare the REAL detail of our specimens with what is shown in substantially lower-priced offers of some other dealers, you will easily see what we the difference provided they post high-resolution images. Real crustacean fossils that are natural will appear very detailed, even on a surface texture level. FAKE specimens will look like extravagant and detailed dark outlined pictures of what the animal would look like when alive. Simply put - they just look painted once you see the difference and compare to the above (or other genuine specimens). The low price of the fake is a FRACTION of what a real specimen. Quarry owners all over the world that produce these kinds of fossils are not stupid and all know the value of genuine, fine grade specimens and charge accordingly. The dramatic affect faking and enhancement has to the price of the fossil cannot be overstated. Antrimpos is an extinct member of the diverse group of arthropods called DECAPODA. Decapods comprise lobster, shrimp, prawns and crabs. The majority of Solnhofen crustaceans are decapods. Of all Solnhofen decapod fossils, shrimp such as Aeger, are the most common and abundant. The Antrimpos shrimp is an extinct species of predatory marine crustacean. These marine creatures died out at the end of the Cretaceous Period. Lobster, shrimp and prawns all possess an elongated, segmented body with a flexible carapace covering the thorax and head. Other basic traits are the presence of multiple pairs of limbs and a fan-like tail. Because of the lightness and loose articulation of a decapod's carapace, intact preservation of the entire creature is quite rare and the abundance of the animal in the fossil layers is most often represented by partial or poorly preserved specimens. RARE SUPER SIZE AND NICE QUALITY - NICELY PRESERVED CARAPACE - UNUSUALLY LARGE ORIGINAL LIMESTONE PLATE INTACT! 18" x 17.75" overall with matrix, shrimp is 8" long if straightened, not including antennae $1750 CRUS-003 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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