Brazilian scientists have uncovered a rare crab fossil on James Ross Island, Antarctica, shedding new light on marine life during the Cretaceous period. The species, named Sabellidromites santamarta, lived around 85 million years ago, in an Antarctica very different from today — warm, humid, and covered by forests, rivers, and shallow seas.
The expedition
The discovery was made during the 41st Brazilian Antarctic Operation, which kept researchers in the field for 32 days under extreme conditions, with winds reaching up to 70 km/h. The find was described in an article published in the Journal of Paleontology and is part of the Paleontar Project, coordinated by the National Museum (UFRJ). Scientists from Unesp, Ufes, and USP also participated, with logistical support from the Brazilian Navy.
An exceptional fossil
According to paleontologist Daniel Lima, from the Regional University of Cariri (URCA) and lead author of the study, the fossil stands out for its remarkable preservation. Unlike most crab fossils, this specimen retains delicate features such as the abdomen and hind legs, making it particularly valuable to science.
An ancient lineage
The crab belongs to the Dynomenidae family, considered a relict group — far more diverse in the past but now restricted to a few regions worldwide. Today, only 22 living species and 42 fossil species are known, which highlights the significance of this discovery for understanding the evolution of crustaceans.
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