By Sheetal Kumari | May 22, 2025
Say hello to Mosura fentoni, an unusual three-eyed predator that swam in Earth’s seas more than 500 million years ago.
(Image: Canva)
Ancient fossil remains were found in Canada, dating to 506 million years, uncovering an ancient sea enigma.
(Image: Canva)
They refer to it as the “sea moth” because of its small size, shape, and flying motion through swimming, much like a moth in the water.
(Image: Canva)
Mosura fentoni was a radiodont member, far more distant relatives of insects, spiders, and crabs.
(Image: Canva)
It possessed a 16-segmented trunk, gills, jointed claws, and an eye in the middle of its head.
(Image: Canva)
Scientists think it swam stingray-style, its body flaps opened and closed like an underwater flight.
(Image: Canva)
Its donut-shaped mouth was lined with spiky plates, aiding in crushing food—like a living pencil sharpener!
(Image: Canva)
It probably preyed on worms and small crustaceans, but might have been preyed upon by bigger jellyfish-like animals.
(Image: Canva)
Its body plan shows how early marine life had already begun to evolve into diverse and sophisticated forms.
(Image: Canva)
The finding of Mosura fentoni allows scientists to learn about ancient marine ecosystems and life’s early progression in Earth’s oceans.
(Image: Canva)