Fossil Longarm Lobster (Mechirus), Solhofen Limestone, Germany

The fossil shrimp (Aeger) from the German Solhofen Limestone are quite impressive but I think the "longarm lobsters" (mechirus) are much more interesting with their surreal front appendages. This example is complete with all legs, appendages, pinchers and antennae (often you will find other ones for sale with these either missing or accidently cut off during extraction). The eye is even clearly visible on top of the head! The exquisite preservation is due to anoxic (low oxygen) conditions during death and burial that prevented normal decay processes from occurring. These same German sediments have yielded amazing fossils of Upper Jurassic flying reptiles and, of course, archaeopteryx. This is an excellent example with only a handful being recovered annually (my supplies tends to get first pick so take advantage!). From Eichstatt, Germany. Dimensions:  18 x 27 cm