Gunn Point Mud Lobster Subfossil — Thalassina squamifera

A fascinating natural-history specimen preserving the remains of an Australian mud lobster from Gunn Point in the Northern Territory.

Mud lobsters are burrowing crustaceans associated with tropical mangrove forests and tidal mudflats. Their deep burrows continually disturb and aerate the sediment, making them important engineers of the mangrove environment.

After burial, mineral-rich sediment hardened around the exoskeleton, preserving it within a dense calcareous mudstone concretion. Weathering and wave action gradually exposed the body features visible within the surrounding matrix.

Gunn Point specimens are geologically recent subfossils, generally estimated to be approximately 5,500 years old or younger. This specimen is identified as Thalassina squamifera, a species that still inhabits northern Australian mangrove environments.

This is the exact specimen offered for sale. Only one is available.

Details

• Genuine Australian mud lobster subfossil
• Species: Thalassina squamifera
• Locality: Gunn Point, Northern Territory, Australia
• Geological age: Holocene, approximately 5,500 years old or younger
• Naturally preserved within its original mudstone matrix
• One specimen available
• You will receive the exact specimen photographed

Natural fractures, incomplete areas, mineral deposits and variations in colour are expected features of a genuine collected specimen. Please examine all photographs carefully for its condition and visible characteristics.

A distinctive display specimen for a fossil collection, natural-history cabinet or coastal geology collection.