Finding a huge fossil skull and a giant crab - a fabulous fossil adventure

I head to a Miocene fossil locality famous for its enormous fossil crabs, particularly Tumidocarcinus giganteus, in the hope of finding a good specimen. It doesn't take long before I'm onto something special, uncovering an excellent fossil crab! But the crabs aren't the only surprises this locality has to offer. I also discover a large section of fossil whale skull, with the delicate ear bones still visible. These bones are incredibly important for identifying fossil whales and are one of the key diagnostic features palaeontologists look for. After bringing a possible crab concretion home for preparation, I return to the beach with another mission: recovering the exposed whale skull sections before the incoming waves and erosion damage these incredible fossils. Two very different marine fossils, one fantastic Miocene locality, and a race against the waves! If you enjoy fossil hunting, fossil preparation and exploring New Zealand's incredible prehistoric past, make sure to subscribe! Also check out mamlambofossils.tv for more videos! #Fossils #FossilHunting #TumidocarcinusGiganteus #WhaleFossil #Palaeontology #NewZealandFossils #FossilPreparation