Description

Eurypterid Sea Scorpion Complete Remains

Species: Eurypterid sp. (Sea Scorpion)

Age: Silurian Age – 400 million years old

Location: Niagara County, New York, USA

Formation of Origin: Rochester Formation

First appearing 480 million years ago in the fossil record, Eurypterids, also referred to as “sea scorpions” due to their similar shape with claw-like paddles and a pointed tail, were a diverse group of more than 250 known individual species. Despite all maintaining a similar morphology, these species varied drastically, with some like Jaekelopterus rhenaniae (the largest) reaching lengths of two meters or roughly six feet. Most species, however, ranged from a few inches up to a foot in length.

Eurypterids lived the majority of their lives underwater, relying on early forms of gills to breathe. Most were apex predators, hunting all manner of invertebrates from trilobites to smaller eurypterids, evidenced by the remains of both discovered in coprolites in Ohio.

This is a beautifully preserved fossil with no repair or restoration. Although faint, this eurypterid is viewed from the top, with both eyes and paddles present and visible. This is exceptional as the paddles are often lost during the fossilization process. This is a fantastic specimen.

Unfortunately, the Rochester Shale formation where this fossil was discovered is now a closed site and no more material will be excavated for the foreseeable future. Because of this, the eurypterids on the market originate from older collections and will only get rarer and more expensive as time goes on, making now a great time to secure one of your own.

Offer includes a stand and a Certificate of Authenticity