Anomalocaris (SciiFii)

Anomalocaris pacifica (name meaning "Pacific abnormal shrimp") is a species of anomalocaridid, a family of animals closely related to ancestral arthropods, that originally lived during the Early to Middle Cambrian as an extinct species of Anomalocaris and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern world's oceans (despite its scientific name) to help biodiversity. Anomalocaris pacifica is the largest of the predatory anomalocarids, growing on average of about 3.3 feet (1 meter) long, about the size of a large lobster. It propels itself through the water by undulating the flexible flaps on the sides of its body. Each flap slopes below the one more posterior to it, and this overlapping allows the lobes on each side of the body to act as a single "fin", maximizing the swimming efficiency. The mouth of Anomalocaris pacifica is very unusual, being disk-like and resembling a pineapple ring with the center replaced by a series of serrated prongs. The mouth is used to constrict and crush prey, but never completely close; there is always an opening about 5 millimeters in diameter when the mouth is shut; a centimeter in exceptionally large individuals. It also possesses 14 segments (podomeres) on each frontal appendage, almost each one tipped with two barb-like ventral spines (endites). The ventral spines themselves are both equipped with 2 smaller auxiliary spines, which branches off from the main spine at the center of its length. Those frontal appendages are used to help the animal grab its prey items such as trilobites, small sea scorpions, shrimp, small crabs, and among other hard-shelled animals. Anomalocaris pacifica is a solitary animal that lives throughout most of its life alone except during the breeding seasons. The conservation status of Anomalocaris pacifica is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the animal's wide range and its tolerance to most human activities, including man-made pollution. People tolerate the presence of Anomalocaris pacifica since Anomalocaris pacifica does not attack nor prey on people or pets.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii