Sea Scorpion

A fossilized claw of a 390-million-year-old giant sea scorpion was discovered in a Pruem, Germany, quarry in 2007. The claw is the largest specimen of its kind ever found. Scientists claim the fossil, which measured 46 centimeters in length, was over 30 centimeters larger than previously discovered fossils.

Jaekelopterus rhenaniae, as it is known scientifically, is an ancient ancestor of scorpions and arachnids. It is believed the Jaekelopterus rhenaniae lived either an aquatic or semi-aquatic life and that they were top predators. Scientists believe it was able to evolve to such a large size because of high levels of oxygen in the atmosphere.¹

Fast Facts

1. Phylum: Arthropoda
2. Subphylum: Chelicerata
3. Class: Eurypterida
4. Species: Jaekelopterus rhenaniae
5. Fossil found in Germany
6. Claw Length: 46 centimeters²
7. Scorpion Length: 2.5 meters²
8. Estimated to be 8 feet long²
9. Evolved to such a size due to high levels of oxygen in the atmosphere¹

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