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benefit_of_mrkite t1_iyere0j wrote

Reply to comment by C9177 in TIL about Eurypterids, or "sea scorpions", the largest known arthropods ever to have lived. The largest, Jaekelopterus, reached 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) in length. Many forms lived in brackish or fresh water, and their dual respiratory system allowed for short periods of time on land. by WouldbeWanderer

I’ve read about these several times and they remind me more of a lobster like creature rather than a scorpion - all three being arthropods.

The “stinger” is thought to be a sex organ.

The big ones were just one they diversified from very large to very small.

But to give you an idea on size of the biggest here you go;

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaekelopterus#/media/File%3AJaekelopterus_Size_2.svg

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C9177 t1_iyetnzo wrote

Good lord, can you imagine swimming and seeing one of these guys come up from the bottom?

Yikes

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