Here is a good long-arm lobster of the species Mecochirus longimanatus from the Solnhofen limestone of Eichstätt. This Mecochirus is well preserved and presented on the decorative plate. The plate is framed by subtle manganese dendrites. The fossil lobster itself measures about 146 mm as it is on the plate. When fully stretched, this specimen would be about 215 mm long. On or above its carapace is a small fossil sponge of the genus Codites. It is possible that this is a living settlement. Some recent crustacean actually use sponges, algae and sea anemones for camouflage actively. This is done excessively with some ornamental crabs (Hoplophrys sp.).
Active camouflage behavior appears to be excluded here with this Mecochirus specimen. In addition, one should note that a long-arm lobster should have shed its skin relatively often.
A slightly larger specimen like this one probably changed its carapace every year or maybe every two years. How ever this is a interesting Assosiaion from the Lithographic limestone of the Solnhofen Region.
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