Invertebrate Fossils of NJ |
Hoploparia gabbi (Pilsbry) Hoploparia gabbi, also known as a clawed lobster is most often mistaken for the ghost shrimp (Protocallianassa mortoni). The ghost shrimp body has no chitinous material. Only the pincers and claws are found fossilized. The few examples of Hoploparia gabbi that I have seen all seem to have fossilized in a similar position to the one pictured below.
This specimen was found encrusted in marl with only
the tail showing. Monmouth County, NJ
The tail bears a rather remarkable similarity to a
modern lobster.
A detailed view of the cephalothorax. |