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2.9" Rare, Oligocene Fossil Raninid Crab - Washington State
This is a rare, Oligocene-aged fossil raninid crab. These crabs are found within hard concretions or nodules that weather out of the Hoko River Formation in Clallam County, Washington. Preparing these concretions is a time consuming and skilled task due to the hardness of the stone.
Most of the rock has been removed, though a section of the nodule has been left and cut flat to act as a pedestal.
Most of the rock has been removed, though a section of the nodule has been left and cut flat to act as a pedestal.
About Raninid Crabs
Raninid crabs (family Raninidae), commonly known as frog crabs or spanner crabs, are a distinctive group of marine brachyuran crabs characterized by an elongated, oval carapace and forward-projecting appendages that give them a crab/lobster–like appearance. The posterior legs are often flattened and paddle-shaped, reflecting adaptations for swimming and rapid burrowing. Raninids primarily inhabit sandy to muddy substrates in marine environments ranging from shallow coastal waters to deeper offshore settings, with a global distribution concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions. They are active predators and opportunistic scavengers, feeding on small invertebrates such as mollusks, polychaete worms, and other crustaceans. The family has an extensive fossil record, particularly from the Cretaceous through the Cenozoic, due to the relatively high preservation potential of their carapaces. As a result, raninid crabs are important for understanding the evolutionary history and paleoecology of decapod crustaceans.
Raninid crabs (family Raninidae), commonly known as frog crabs or spanner crabs, are a distinctive group of marine brachyuran crabs characterized by an elongated, oval carapace and forward-projecting appendages that give them a crab/lobster–like appearance. The posterior legs are often flattened and paddle-shaped, reflecting adaptations for swimming and rapid burrowing. Raninids primarily inhabit sandy to muddy substrates in marine environments ranging from shallow coastal waters to deeper offshore settings, with a global distribution concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions. They are active predators and opportunistic scavengers, feeding on small invertebrates such as mollusks, polychaete worms, and other crustaceans. The family has an extensive fossil record, particularly from the Cretaceous through the Cenozoic, due to the relatively high preservation potential of their carapaces. As a result, raninid crabs are important for understanding the evolutionary history and paleoecology of decapod crustaceans.
$595
SPECIES
Family Raninidae
LOCATION
Clallam County, Washington
FORMATION
Hoko River Formation
SIZE
Entire Specimen: 2.9 x 2.6", Carapace: 2.4" wide
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#349499
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