Fossil Lebanese Shrimp

Cretaceous Shrimp Fossils: Remarkably Preserved Treasures from Lebanon

Lebanon boasts some of the world’s best-preserved fossil shrimp, offering a glimpse into ancient marine life. These crustacean treasures hail from the Cretaceous period, roughly 100 million years old, and are found within the Haqil Formation’s fine-grained limestone. This exceptional preservation medium meticulously captures the shrimp’s delicate details, including antennae, legs, and tails.

One of the most common species unearthed is Carpopenaeus libanensis, a shrimp reaching about 5 cm in length. It’s characterized by a long, slender body and a spiny carapace. Alongside this fascinating species, collectors may also encounter Aeger Tipularius and Palaeocaris.