Macrophthalmus Fossil – Pliocene | Mahajanga Province, Madagascar

An incredibly well-preserved fossil Macrophthalmus sp. (sentinel crab), completely freed from its host rock, recovered from Pliocene-age deposits in Mahajanga Province, Madagascar. This specimen is approximately 5 million years old and displays exceptional detail — a testament to the remarkable preservation conditions of the Mahajanga Basin.

Mahajanga Province is one of the world's most celebrated fossil localities, renowned for producing museum-quality specimens across a wide range of taxa. Macrophthalmus, the stalked-eye sentinel crab, is a fascinating genus whose fossil record offers insight into ancient coastal and estuarine ecosystems of the late Neogene.

Completely separated from matrix, this specimen can be examined and displayed from all angles — an exceptional opportunity for collectors, researchers, and natural history enthusiasts alike.

• Species: Macrophthalmus sp. (Sentinel Crab)
• Preservation: Exceptional — completely separated from host rock
• Age: Pliocene (~5 million years old)
• Locality: Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
• Condition: Fossil, natural preservation, matrix-free