The first fossil occurrences of the Eurypterida date to the Ordovician and their range extends to the Permian. Taphonomic factors mean that although some genera are preserved exceptionally, others are known only from isolated remains. This results in taxonomic classification of the Eurypterida being rather problematic. One family level classification has been calculated (by Plotnick) and is shown below.
The diversification of the Eurypterida has resulted in a wide array of shapes and sizes. Three examples are shown below.
The largest eurypterid known was Pterygotus, it could reach lengths of 2-3 metres (6-9 feet) and would have been an awesome sight.
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Morphology