Macrophthalmus latreille Crab Fossil from Australia

Description: Presernted is a matrix-free male Macrophthalmus latreille crab. The two sexes are differentiated in this way. The male has a skinny line of plates on the abdomen, and big claws. The female has fat plates and tiny claws. The large right pincer claw on this specimen clearly differentiates it as a male.The genus still exists, though I am not sure if this particular species does.

The preservation of this crab fossil is amazingly life-like. However, numerous small sections of their legs, claws stalk-eyes, and pincers are missing. Please examine the photos closely for preservation details.

The stalk-eyed mud crab, Macrophthalmus, is a marine large-eyed crab of the subfamily Macrophthalminae. The common name reflects its long stalked eyes that it uses to observe surroundings while hidden under the sand. It extensively burrows beneath the sand and is mainly active at night. Macrophthalmus gets its food from detritus in the mud, and has poor tolerance for brackish and fresh water.