Pterygotus

[Barry the Baryonyx]

Pterygotus

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Pterygotus was the largest eurypterid, or sea scorpion. It was also the largest arthropod of all time, rivaled in size only by the giant millipede, Arthropleura. It could reach a length of 2.3 m (about 7 feet), had two large as well as two smaller eyes, and six pairs of walking legs, as well as pinching claws. The foremost 6 tergites, or tail sections, contained gills and the reproductive organs of the animal.

Pterygotus' two large compound eyes were probably able to detect armoured fish from far away in muddy waters, and grab it, or swim towards it, boosting its speed by slapping its tail up and down, and proceed to crush its victim in two with its claws.


Pterygotus existed in the Silurian period - about 435 to 410 million years ago - and was related to Jaekelaopterus and Slymonia.
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