description Opipeuter Overview
Opipeuter is an extinct genus of Ordovician trilobites interpreted as pelagic, meaning that it lived in the open water rather than on the sea floor. It is distinguished by greatly enlarged, convex compound eyes, a narrow thorax with eleven segments, reduced fixed cheeks, and a pygidium that ends in a stout spine. Fossils described from Spitsbergen, western Ireland, and Utah have been used in studies of trilobite functional morphology and early pelagic life. [Palaeontology paper on Opipeuter](https://palass.org/sites/default/files/media/publications/palaeontology/volume_17/vol17_part1_pp111-124.pdf)
help Opipeuter FAQ
What is Opipeuter?
Opipeuter is an extinct genus of Ordovician trilobites interpreted as pelagic. Pelagic means it lived in the open water rather than primarily on the sea floor.
What did Opipeuter's eyes look like?
Opipeuter had greatly enlarged, convex compound eyes. This eye shape is consistent with a trilobite adapted to seeing in an open-water environment.
How was Opipeuter's body built?
Opipeuter had a narrow thorax with eleven segments and reduced fixed cheeks. Those features, together with its large eyes, distinguish it from many bottom-dwelling trilobites.
When did Opipeuter live?
Opipeuter lived during the Ordovician Period. Its anatomy has led researchers to interpret it as a pelagic trilobite living in the water column.
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