Exquisitely-Preserved Lower Cretaceous Crayfish Fossil

Description: The fossils from Liaoning Province, China are known throughout the world for their exceptional preservation. The crayfish shown here is an example of that preservational detail. Specimens are found in a number of areas within the province, and include molts, juveniles, and adults in both dorsal and ventral presentation. Living crayfish are primarily freshwater inhabitants, but some are found in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea under higher salinity conditions. This one comes from the freshwater habitat that was the Yixain Formation, and is a fine representative example. Note the annulation of the antennae and segmentation of the abdomen. There is a repaired crack and tinting to heighten the appearance. One of three families of freshwater crayfish (Astacidae, Paraastacidae, Cricoscelosidae), this is the least numerous in terms of species.