Iran discovers ancient crustacean species dating back 200 million years

A rare species of prehistoric crustacean, believed to have existed for around 200 million years, has been discovered in Ardestan, in Iran’s central Isfahan Province. The finding – a specimen of Triops cancriformis, commonly known as the European tadpole shrimp – was confirmed by the Ardestan Department of Environmental Protection and documented in photographs and video footage.

According to Hassan Shavakhi, head of the Ardestan Environmental Protection Department, the discovery provides “clear evidence of the health and biodiversity of the local ecosystem.” The ancient creature was found in a natural habitat following a period of heavy rainfall. 

The Triops cancriformis, part of the branchiopod crustacean family, typically measures between 2 and 11 centimetres in length. Its eggs are uniquely adapted to survive in dry soil for more than two decades, remaining dormant until temporary ponds or reservoirs refill with water – a remarkable evolutionary adaptation that has ensured the species’ survival for millions of years.

Shavakhi described the find as the rediscovery of a “living fossil”, preserving traits almost unchanged since prehistoric times. This makes it of exceptional scientific importance for research into ancient life and environmental evolution. This is reported by Alalam News Network, a partner of TV BRICS.

He added that the presence of such a species in Ardestan underscores the ecological richness and resilience of the region’s semi-arid and mountainous landscapes, which host a diverse range of plant and animal life. The area is now considered one of Isfahan Province’s most important natural habitats.

The Ardestan Environmental Department continues to monitor local ecosystems in partnership with park rangers and nearby communities. Residents have been encouraged to report any sightings of rare species to assist ongoing conservation efforts.

Located around 118 kilometres north of Isfahan, Ardestan is home to over 43,000 people and increasingly recognised as a site of both ecological and scientific significance in central Iran.

Earlier, Agência Brasil reported that a team of scientists from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, working in collaboration with the National Museum of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, had discovered a fossil of a fish that lived during the Cretaceous period (between 145 and 66 million years ago).

In addition,  Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS, published a report in September stating that near the village of Baiterek in the North Kazakhstan Region, a local resident found a mammoth tibia measuring over one metre long while fishing. It was noted that the animal is believed to have inhabited the area around 15,000 years ago.

Photo: shironosov / iStock