Anomalocarididae

Anomalocarididae is an extinct family of Cambrian radiodonts, a group of early stem-group arthropods. These ancient sea creatures lived over 500 million years ago when many strange life forms first appeared in the oceans.

For a long time, scientists called all radiodonts "anomalocaridids." But in 2014, new research changed this. Now, only a few close relatives of the genus Anomalocaris are true members of this family. Species like Anomalocaris and Lenisicaris are part of Anomalocarididae, while others are in new groups.

Anomalocaridids had special features, such as a three-part mouth structure. They had streamlined bodies, swimming flaps, and were hunters in their ancient sea homes.