Cretaceous Crab With Exquisite Eyes!

[Shellseeker]

I really enjoyed the article and especially the photos. Now I know lots more about fossilized crab eyes! This is just one more instance where I learn to treasure TFF which really means I treasure access to the people who contribute their expertise. Thanks to MB and JJ.

[Scylla]

Amazing fossil, so good things do come in small packages.

[Fossildude19]

I totally missed that John was involved here in the original posting!

Congratulations John on your fossil and donation of it!

Amazing pics and preservation.

Regards,

[JohnJ]

Thanks again, everyone. I know Alex and Francisco appreciate your feedback as much as I do.

Here is another close-up of the right eye.

[Mediospirifer]

Gorgeous crab! Congratulations on both the find and the paper!

[masonboro37]

Complete awe with your pic's. Beautiful and the crabs are amazing!

Edited May 2, 2014 by masonboro37

[BobC]

Every time I see these photos I am stunned anew. Wow!!!

I showed these pics to non-fossil people at work and even they were shocked! Those compound eyes are just too much! My Art Director said "That isn't a fossil, is it?" In other words he thought I was showing him a recent crab--he must have thought my pal John had found a rare living crab. That's the true test--when people who don't even know a thing about fossils are shocked!

[JohnJ]

Thank you, ladies.

They still blow me away, too, Bob.

[Wrangellian]

I think that a crab's eyestalks, being articulated, are much more likely to become detached after death than a trilobite's.

Good point

[CH4ShotCaller]

Thanks again, everyone. I know Alex and Francisco appreciate your feedback as much as I do.

Here is another close-up of the right eye.

Rt eye - Out99998b.jpg

I've found many a crab since 1988, never have I seen or found anything as cool as this specimen. That's outstanding.

[JohnJ]

Thanks, Scott. It's pretty cool for something the size of bean.

[Nandomas]

congratulations guys, the details of this specimen are incredible

Edited May 10, 2014 by Nandomas

[JohnJ]

Thank you, Nando.

[6ix]

Absolutely amazing! Love your story about finding it and sniffing it LOL