Aeger, Antrimpos, and the rarer Acanthochirana

This exceptional series of fossil shrimp specimens originates from the iconic Solnhofen limestone of Bavaria, Germany, a site world-renowned for its extraordinary fossil preservation dating back to the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago.

These crustaceans thrived in the calm, hypersaline lagoons of the Solnhofen archipelago, where periodic anoxic events inhibited scavengers and decomposition, allowing for remarkable soft-tissue preservation, including fine antennal structures visible in several of the specimens here. The fine lamination of the lithographic limestone has captured minute morphological features in exquisite detail, including articulated appendages and segmented abdomens. In several specimens, restoration has been applied selectively to the antennae, a common and accepted practice in fossil preparation, especially when working with fragile or incomplete extremities. These restorations are minimal and professionally executed, preserving the scientific integrity and visual impact of the specimens.