Creature Feature: Anomalocaris canadensis
One of the strangest animals to ever live that supersedes the exotic platypus or the virtually invincible tardigrade was Anomalocaris canadensis, often simply referred to as Anomalocaris. Its scientific name, Anomalocaris, translates to “unlike other shrimp” from Greek, with canadensis translating to “from Canada” from Latin. This arthropod roamed the oceans and was a major predator, growing up to six feet long—longer than the average adult human male! Anomalocaris is part of the phylum Arthropoda, which includes isopods such as sand fleas, which you have most likely encountered on a fun trip to the beach.
Creature Features
Anomalocaris belongs to Radiodonta, a bizarre extinct family of arthropods. Anomalocaris had an unusually circular, toothy mouth and appendages used to prey on the seas. Anomalocaris lived during the Cambrian Period (520 to 499 million years ago). They were one of the species which emerged out of the Cambrian Explosion, a period which saw an immense amount of biodiversity. Chordates, the animal phylum which humans are a part of, also sprang out of this period.
Strangely, similar to flies, Anomalocaris had compound eyes (over sixteen thousand lenses per eye!), giving it a predatory edge over prey and allowing it to sense fast, sharp movements, then use its iconic teeth to rip and devour its prey. Anomalocaris was a fierce predator, feeding on soft invertebrates such as worms, and early arthropods. Its cuttlefish-like fins helped it glide through the water like a bullet.
Why Did Radiodonts Go Extinct?
Radiodonts gradually declined as more efficient ocean predators evolved, and Anomalocaris became less dominant. More efficient feeding, faster swimming, and efficient reproduction from competitors were key in the gradual decline of the family.
In Popular Culture
Anomalocaris has become one of the most famous prehistoric animals from the Cambrian period, including being the inspiration for two popular Pokémon, Anorith and Armaldo. Anomalocaris has quickly become one of the well-known and loved prehistoric arthropods. Its strange appearance, while menacing, has become a symbol of the ancient world's strangeness.
Directories / Credits
Citation No. 1: “Cambrian Period”, Written by Unknown, & Published at an Unknown Date. Credit to National Geographic.
Citation No. 2: “Anomalocaris: Cambrian Apex Predator, Fossils, Anatomy, and Radiodont Relatives”, Written by Jayson Kowinsky, & Published at an Unknown Date. Credit to fossilguy.com.
Citation No. 3: “The Popular Shrimp”, Written by Ian N. Cost, & Published on January 18th, 2018. Credit to Extinct Animal of the Week.
Citation 4: “Anomalocaris canadensis”, Written by Unknown & Published at an Unknown Date. Credit to Burgess Shale.
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