Anomalocaris

Anomalocaris canadensis is an arthopod from the Cambrian period, around half a billion years ago. It is from Canada, hence the name 'unusual Canadian shrimp.' Around the size of a very tall man, this creature was a powerful predator, with these strange tusk-like things coming out of its jaw, so it could capture and hold its prey.

Added Information
Anomalocaris fossils are found in the USA, Canada, Greenland and China.

After the death of the animal, it will fall and then separate itself into pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle. Completely intact fossils are very rare because of the separation; 'intact means altogether.'

They looked like shrimps, and had shrimp-like front limbs. No-one recognized Anomalocaris until a full skeleton was found because of how strange it looked. It was a big arthopod. Arthopods have been on this planet for a long time and they had these shrimp-like front limbs, like Anomalocaris.

Relatives

 * Obapinia at just 6 cm.
 * Hallucigenia.
 * Other arthopods.

Publicity and Mentioning
It is mentioned by David Attenborough in one of his TV programmes, and is found on dispay at many museums.