Donkey Kong Bananza Anomalocaris Fossil – Full Guide to Finding It

Are you stuck trying to find the elusive Anomalocaris fossil in Donkey Kong Bananza? Wondering if it’s worth the trouble, what layer it’s in, and how it compares to other rare fossils like the whale fossil? This in-depth guide explains everything, from exact location clues to how Anomalocaris fits into the Lagoon Layer fossil story.

Let’s dive in.

What is the Anomalocaris in Donkey Kong Bananza?

The Anomalocaris is a rare and ancient sea creature fossil featured in the Lagoon Layer of Donkey Kong Bananza. It resembles a bizarre, shrimp-like predator with tentacle-like arms and a large, disk-shaped mouth — a real prehistoric oddball.

In-game, the Anomalocaris is considered one of the more scientifically impressive and visually distinct fossils. Unlike standard fossil finds, this one is hidden with just enough subtlety to keep most players circling the same area without spotting it.

Where to Find the Anomalocaris Fossil

Location: Lagoon Layer

The Anomalocaris fossil is located midway down in the Lagoon Layer, between deeper trench routes and coral-encrusted rock walls. This location isn’t immediately visible on basic exploration paths, making it one of the most overlooked fossils.

Clues to Narrow Down the Spot

• Look for a circular crater-like formation surrounded by blue algae and drifting particles.

• The fossil is often half-submerged in a sandy slope between two rock arches.

• You may also find nearby smaller fossils or shell fragments, which subtly hint that you’re in the right zone.

Bonus Tip

Enable fossil pings or use any tool/upgrades that help highlight fossils in the terrain, especially if you’re working through dense patches with overlapping textures.

How to Identify the Anomalocaris

Once you spot the Anomalocaris fossil, you’ll immediately recognize it by its unique shape:

• A long, segmented body

• Tentacle-like frontal appendages

• A bizarre round jaw with sharp spikes

It looks nothing like a modern fish or shell fossil — it’s one of those prehistoric finds that make you pause and say, “What is that?”

Is the Anomalocaris Fossil Rare?

Yes, it’s considered rare, but not impossible to find.

Here’s why:

• It only appears in one area of the Lagoon Layer.

• The game offers little visual guidance, and the fossil often blends into the background.

• It has a lower spawn visibility than others like the whale fossil.

Still, unlike the ultra-hidden banana #40, the Anomalocaris is permanently placed, meaning once you find it, you’ll always know where to go next time.

How Does It Compare to Other Fossils?

So, in short, Anomalocaris ranks high on the uniqueness scale, both visually and as a collectible.

Why You Should Collect the Anomalocaris Fossil

If you’re aiming for 100% fossil completion, this one’s non-negotiable. But even outside completionists, it’s worth finding because:

• It unlocks journal lore entries about prehistoric marine predators.

• It’s one of the few fossils that completes a unique display case section.

• It often comes with bonus banana rewards and sometimes unlocks new dialogue from supporting characters.

Tips to Make the Hunt Easier

1. Zoom out your map once in the Lagoon Layer to scan unusual rock shapes.

2. Use terrain elevation to your advantage — the fossil often hides in a slope or dip.

3. Collect other fossils in nearby zones first; many of them point you indirectly toward the Anomalocaris through clue entries.

Final Thoughts

Finding the Anomalocaris fossil in Donkey Kong Bananza isn’t just a matter of wandering around until you stumble on it. It’s a subtle, rewarding challenge that ties together exploration, fossil hunting, and prehistoric discovery.

Whether you’re after the lore, the in-game bonuses, or just that satisfying tick on your completionist checklist, this fossil is worth every dive and detour in the Lagoon Layer.

FAQ (Plain Text)

Q: Where is the Anomalocaris fossil in Donkey Kong Bananza?
A: It’s located midway through the Lagoon Layer, hidden in a slope between two rocky arches surrounded by coral.

Q: Is the Anomalocaris fossil rare?
A: Yes, it’s one of the rarer fossils due to its subtle placement and unique appearance.

Q: What does the Anomalocaris fossil look like?
A: It has a segmented body, tentacle-like arms, and a circular jaw—very different from other fossils.

Q: Do I need the Anomalocaris fossil to 100% complete the game?
A: Yes. It’s part of the fossil journal and required for full collection completion.