Rare and beautifully detailed crab

Incredible claws and carapace

Close up of claws and mouth parts

Ranina crab

Product description

This is a beautifully preserved Ranina marestiana crab, discovered in Vicenza, Italy.

It dates from the Eocene Period, 55m to 33m years old.

The decapods, or ten footed crutaceans, are an order that includes crabs, crayfish, lobsters, prawns, and shrimps.
They have existed since the Permian Period, nearly 300 million years ago.

However, true, recognisable crabs, evolved around the Jurassic Period, some 150 million years ago.

Their general structure has changed little since then, and modern day crabs display the same proportions, and general ornamentation.

They are known today as "Spanner Crabs", Ranina ranina, and are edible, reddish brown in colour, with ten white spots.

A specimen such as this fossil Ranina, with original carapace, pincers, and legs is extremely rare, as when crabs die, their shells normally fall apart and are dispersed or scavenged.

In amazing condition, this rare, museum quality, display fossil, is an extraordinary addition to a collection, or great display in the home or office.

REDUCED TO AN AMAZINGLY LOW PRICE FOR THIS QUALITY

Crab Size:  6.5cms x 5cms x 4.5cms high.