Solnhofen Fossil Shrimp

Description: This is a fine example of a shrimp from the lithographic limestone deposits of Eichstatt, Germany, known as Aeger tipularis. These 150 million year old deposits are famous for their exceptionally well-preserved organisms, the most famous of which are the handful of specimens of the ancient bird Archaeopteryx. That exceptional preservation is displayed here as well, down to the comb-like projections from the first pair of legs that are diagnostic for the genus. Much of the original exoskeleton is intact, making this a true collector's piece. The specimen is artistically displayed on this limestone matrix with the delicate dendritic pattern seeming to form a curtain to showcase this wonderful example of the type.