This is a list of fossils found in the Maotianshan Shales, whose most famous assemblage of organisms are referred to as the Chengjiang biota.[1]

Ecdysozoa edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Acosmia

  • A. maotiania
  • Seven specimens, some containing multiple individuals.

A basal ecdysozoan, previously suggested to be a priapulid.

 
Fossil of Acosmia

Laojieella

  • L. thecata
  • Two specimens

An indeterminate ecdysozoan, possibly affiliated to Cycloneuralia.

Scalidophora edit

Palaeoscolecidomorpha edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Cricocosmia

  • C. jinningensis
  • Tens of thousands of specimens

A very common palaeoscolecid worm, often found with Inquicus attached to it in a presumably commensal relationship.

 
Reconstruction of Cricocosmia with parasitic Inquicus

Mafangscolex

  • M. sinensis
  • M. yunnanensis
  • Hundreds of specimens

A palaeoscolecid worm, often found with Inquicus attached to it in a presumably commensal relationship.

Maotianshania

  • M. cylindrica
  • Hundreds of specimens

A palaeoscolecid worm

 
Fossil of Maotianshania

Tabelliscolex

  • T. chengjiangensis
  • T. hexagonus
  • T. maanshanensis
  • Hundreds of specimens

A palaeoscolecid worm.

Tylotites

  • T. petiolaris
  • Hundreds of specimens

A palaeoscolecid worm.

Priapulida edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Corynetis

  • C. brevis
  • C. fortis
  • Approximately 100 specimens

A priapulid worm.

 
Reconstruction of Corynetis

Eximipriapulus

  • E. globocaudatus
  • Nine specimens

A predatory priapulid often found inside hyolith shells.

 
Reconstruction of Eximipriapulus

Paraselkirkia

  • P. sinica
  • Hundreds of specimens

A priapulid worm closely related to Selkirkia.

 
Reconstruction of Paraselkirkia

Paratubiluchus

  • P. bicaudatus
  • Several dozen specimens

A priapulid worm possibly in Tubiluchidae.

 
Reconstruction of Paratubiluchus

Palaeopriapulites

  • P. parvus
  • Ten specimens

A rare priapulid worm.

 
Reconstruction of Palaeopriapulites

Selkirkia

  • S. elongata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Selkirkia columbia

Sicyophorus

  • S. rarus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Sicyophorus

Xiaoheiqingella

  • X. peculiaris
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Xiaoheiqingella

Panarthropoda edit

Lobopodia edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Antennacanthopodia

  • A. gracilis
  • Known from two specimens, making the species very rare in the Chengjiang.

An unarmoured lobopodian, apparently closely related to Onychophora. The long, paired, cirriform structures at the end of the body could have been sensory, or perhaps represent viscera not externally present in life.

 
Reconstruction of Antennacanthopodia

Cardiodictyon

  • C. catenulum
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A highly elongate armoured lobopodian, with saddle-shaped sclerites and a lightly sclerotized head.

 
Reconstruction of Cardiodictyon

Diania

  • D. cactiformis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A heavily armoured lobopodian.

 
Reconstruction of Diania

Hallucigenia

  • H. fortis

A hallucigeniid lobopodian with a bulbous sclerotized head and two pairs of small feeding appendages, borne on a short neck.

 
Reconstruction of Hallucigenia fortis

Lenisambulatrix

  • L. humboldti
  • Known from a single specimen.

A simple, unarmoured lobopodian.

 
Reconstruction of Lenisambulatrix

Onychodictyon

  • O. ferox
  • O. gracilis
  • Several complete specimens.

An enigmatic genus of lobopodian, potentially related to either the Luolishaniidae or to Tardigrada. Not always monophyletic.

 
Reconstruction of Onychodictyon ferox

Paucipodia

  • P. inermis
  • Known from well-preserved body fossils.

A large unarmoured lobopodian, commonly found in association with mass death-beds of legless worms and Eldonia. Thought to have been a scavenger.

 
Reconstruction of Paucipodia

Eoconchariidae edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Microdictyon

  • M. sinicum
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Fossil of Microdictyon sinicum

Luolishaniidae edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Luolishania

  • L. longicruris
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

Type genus of Luolishaniidae. The species Miraluolishania haikouensis is considered a juvenile synonym of Luolishania.

 
Reconstruction of Luolishania

Facivermis

  • F. yunnanicus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

Derived Luolishaniid lobopodian with five setiferous sieving appednages, and lacking any walking limbs. Sometimes discovered living in constructed tubes, buried into the sediment.

 
Reconstruction of Facivermis

Siberiidae edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Megadictyon

  • M. haikouensis
  • Posterior-most section of the trunk is unknown.

A poorly known siberiid.

 
Reconstruction of Megadictyon cf. haikouensis

Jianshanopodia

  • J. decorata
  • Known from multiple large individuals, all from a singular exposure of the Chengjiang.

A giant siberiid lobopodian related to Megadictyon.

 
Reconstruction of Jianshanopodia

Gilled Lobopodians edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Omnidens

  • O. amplus
  • Numerous well preserved oral cones.

A giant gilled lobopodian, closely related to Pambdelurion. Also present in the Xiaoshiba Biota.

 
Diagrammatic reconstruction of Omnidens

Radiodonta edit

Radiodonta are a group of highly successful panarthropods. The Chengjiang Fauna includes a large number of Radiodont species, primarily from the clade Amplectobeluidae. While hurdiids are poorly known from the formation and surrounding region, several specimens attributable to the family have been discovered, but remain unnamed.

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Houcaris

  • H. saron
  • Isolated appendages.

Previously described as "Anomalocaris" saron.

 
Appendage of Houcaris saron

Laminacaris

  • L. chimera
  • Giant isolated appendages, up to nearly 30 centimetres long.

A giant radiodont combining features from different clades.

 
Appendage of Laminacaris

Amplectobeluidae edit

Radiodonta are a group of highly successful panarthropods. The Chengjiang Fauna includes a large number of Radiodont species, primarily from the clade Amplectobeluidae. While hurdiids are poorly known from the formation and surrounding region, several specimens attributable to the family have been discovered, but remain unnamed.

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Amplectobelua

  • A. symbrachiata
  • Dozens of isolated appendages, and at least one complete body of a juvenile.

A large Amplectobeluid radiodont with long tail furcae.

 
Reconstruction of Amplectobelua

Lyrarapax

  • L. trilobus
  • L. unguispinus
  • Known from appendages and complete body fossils, including neural anatomy.

Small Amplectobeluid radiodonts.

 
Reconstruction of Lyrarapax unguispinus (left) and Lyrarapax trilobus (right)

Ramskoeldia

  • R. platyacantha
  • R. consimilis
  • Known from appendages, often associated with GLS plates, sclerites, and swimming flaps.

Large Amplectobeluid radiodonts, with crushing gnathobases.

 
Appendages of Ramskoeldia

Anomalocarididae edit

Radiodonta are a group of highly successful panarthropods. The Chengjiang Fauna includes a large number of Radiodont species, primarily from the clade Amplectobeluidae. While hurdiids are poorly known from the formation and surrounding region, several specimens attributable to the family have been discovered, but remain unnamed.

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Lenisicaris

  • L. lupata
  • Isolated appendages.

A second species is included in the genus, Lenisicaris pennsylvanica, from the Kinzers Formation.

 
Appendage of Lenisicaris

Arthropoda edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Combinivalvula

  • C. chengjiangensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Cucumericrus

  • C. decorata

Multiple Specimens.

A sessile, marine annelid tube worm of the family Serpulidae. Its affinities with the genus Serpula are controversial, since the genus is known mostly since Cretaceous strata. Although there are other fossils assigned to the genus on same age deposits of France. Presumably these specimens have fallen from their growth areas.[2]

 
Reconstructed trunk appendage of Cucumericrus

Cyathocephalus

  • C. bispinosus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Dianchia

  • D. mirabilis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Diplopyge

  • D. forcipatus
  • D. minutus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Dongshanocaris

  • D. foliiformis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Erratus

  • E. sperare
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Erratus

Ercaia

  • E. miniscula
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Forfexicaris

  • F. valida
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Forfexicaris

Glossocaris

  • G. occulatus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Isoxys

  • I. auritus
  • I. curvirostratus
  • I. paradoxus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Diagram of Isoxys curvirostratus

Jianshania

  • J. furcatus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Jianshania

Kunmingocaris

  • K. bispinosus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Kylinxia

  • K. zhangi
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Kylinxia

Mafangia

  • M. subscalaria
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Mafangocaris

  • M. multinodus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Occacaris

  • O. oviformis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Occacaris

Ovalicephalis

  • O. mirabilis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Parapaleomerus

  • P. sinensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstructed carapace of Parapaleomerus

Pisinnocaris

  • P. subconigera
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Pseudoiulia

  • P. cambriensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Pterotum

  • P. triacanthus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Rhombicalvaria

  • R. acanthi
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Sunella

  • S. grandis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Syrrhaptis

  • S. intes
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Tanglangia

  • T. caudata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Trigoides

  • T. aclis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Tuzoia

  • T. sinensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Tuzoia canadensis

Urokodia

  • U. aequalis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Diagrammatic reconstruction of Urokodia

Wutingella

  • W. bindosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Yiliangocaris

  • Y. ellipticus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Yunnanocaris

  • Y. megista
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Hymenocarina edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Branchiocaris

  • B. yunnanensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Branchiocaris

Canadaspis

  • C. laevigata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Canadaspis laevigata

Chuandianella

  • C. ovata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Chuandianella

Clypecaris

  • C. pteroidea
  • C. serrata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Clypecaris serrata

Ercaicunia

  • E. multinodosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Ercaicunia

Erjiecaris

  • E. minusculo
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Erjiecaris

Pectocaris

  • P. spatiosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Pectocaris spatiosa

Synophalos

  • S. xynos
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of a Synophalos chain
Jugatacaris A. agillis
 
Reconstruction of Jugatacaris
Xiazhuangocaris X. chenggongensis
 
Reconstruction of Xiazhuangocaris

Fuxianhuiida edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Chengjiangocaris

  • C. longiformis
  • C. kunmingensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A Fuxianhuiid arthropod with numerous appendages.

 
Reconstruction of Chengjiangocaris

Fuxianhuia

  • F. protensa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A large arthropod named after Fuxian Lake. Some adult specimens are found closely associated with numerous juveniles, indicating a level of parental care.

 
Reconstruction of Fuxianhuia with associated juveniles

Tauricornicaris

  • T. latizonae
  • T. oxygonae
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A giant arthropod known locally to collectors as the "Bull Horn Shrimp" in reference to the shape of T. oxygonae.

Bradoriida edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Comptaluta

  • C. inflata
  • C. kailiensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Indiana

  • I. sp.
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
CT-scan of a fossil of Indiana sp.

Jiucunella

  • J. paulula
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Kunmingella

  • K. angustacostata
  • K. douvillei
  • K. guanshanensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Restoration of Kunmingella douvillei

Kunyangella

  • K. cheni
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Liangshanella

  • L. liangshanensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Malongella

  • M. bituerculata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Parakunmingella

  • P. malongensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Spinokunmingella

  • S. typica
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Tsunyiella

  • T. daindongensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Megacheira edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Alalcomenaeus

  • A. cambricus
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Alalcomenaeus

Fortiforceps

  • F. foliosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Fortiforceps
Sklerolibyon *S. maomima
 
Reconstruction of Sklerolibyon

Haikoucaris

  • H. ercaiensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Haikoucaris

Jianfengia

  • J. multisegmentalis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Jianfengia

Leanchoilia

  • D. asiatica
  • L. illecebrosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Leanchoilia illecebrosa

Parapeytoia

  • P. yunnanensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of known elements from Parapeytoia

Marrellomorpha edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Primicaris

  • P. larvaformis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Primicaris

Artiopoda edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Acanthomeridion

  • A. serratum

Multiple Specimens.

A sessile, marine annelid tube worm of the family Serpulidae. Its affinities with the genus Serpula are controversial, since the genus is known mostly since Cretaceous strata. Although there are other fossils assigned to the genus on same age deposits of France. Presumably these specimens have fallen from their growth areas.[2]

 
Reconstruction of the carapace of Acanthomeridion

Almenia

  • A. spinosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A polychaete of the family Dorvilleidae inside Eunicida. It was considered as part of the genus Halla. Eunicidan species with prionognath jaws, absent on Bituminous layers

Cindarella

  • C. eucalla
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Cindarella

Kuamaia

  • K. lata
  • K. muricata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Kuamaia lata

Misszhouia

  • M. longicaudata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Misszhouia

Naraoia

  • N. spinosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Naraoia spinosa

Panlongia

  • P. spinosa
  • P. tetranudosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Panlognia

Pygmaclypeatus

  • P. daiensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
CT-scan of a specimen of Pygmaclypeatus

Retifacies

  • R. abnormalis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Retifacies

Saperion

  • S. glumaceum
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Sidneyia

  • S. sinica
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstructed model of Sidneyia

Sinoburius

  • S. lunaris
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Sinoburis

Skioldia

  • S. aldna
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Squamacula

  • S. clypeata
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Squamacula

Xandarella

  • X. spectaculum
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Xandarella

Trilobita edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Eoredlichia

  • E. intermedia
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Reconstruction of Eoredlichia

Kuanyangia

  • K. pustulosa
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Palaeolenus

  • E. miniscula
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil pair of Palaeolenus

Tsunyidiscus

  • T. aclis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Line drawing of Tsunyidiscus niutitangensis

Wutingapsis

  • W. tingi
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

Yunnanocephalus

  • Y. yunnanensis
  • Single Scolecodont
  • Incomplete Indeterminate Scolecodont

A small arthropod related to Leanchoilia, also known from the Burgess Shale.

 
Fossil of Yunnanocephalus

Spiralia edit

Chaetognatha edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Eognathacantha

  • E. ercainella
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Eognathacantha

Lophotrochozoa edit

Mollusca edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Orthrozanclus

  • O. elongata
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Orthrozanclus elongata

Petalilium

  • P. latus
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Fossil of Nectocaris pteryx

Wiwaxia

  • W. papillo
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of a juvenile Wiwaxia corrugata, which resembles W. papillo in its apparent lack of dorsal sclerite spines.

Hyolitha edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Ambrolinevitus

  • A. maximus
  • A. platypluteus
  • A. ventricosus
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Burithes

  • B. yunnanensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Glossolithes

  • G. magnus
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Linevitus

  • L. billingsi
  • L. flabellaris
  • L. opimus
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Phoronida edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Iotuba

  • I. chengjiangensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Eophonoris

  • E. chengjiangensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Entoprocta edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Cotyledion

  • C. tylodes
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Cotyledion

Cornulitida edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Cambrocornulitus

  • C. rarus
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Brachiopoda edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Diandongia

  • D. pista
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Heliomedusa

  • H. orienta
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Fossil of Heliomedusa orienta

Lingulella

  • H. orienta
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Fossil of Lingulella caelata

Lingulellotreta

  • L. malongensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Longtancunella

  • L. chengjiangensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Deuterostomia edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Yunnanozoon

  • Y. lividium
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Fossil of Yunnanozoon

Chordata edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Cathaymyrus

  • C. diadexus
  • C. haikouensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of C. diadexus and Vetulocystis

Haikouichthys

  • H. ercaicunensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Haikouichthys

Myllokunmingia

  • M. fengjiaoa
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Myllokunmingia

Zhongjianichthys

  • Z. rostratus
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Zhongjianichthys

Zhongxiniscus

  • Z. intermedius
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Zhongxiniscus

Tunicata edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Shankouclava

  • S. anningense
  • S. shankouense
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Shankouclava anningense

Vetulicolia edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Beidazoon

  • B. venustum
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Beidazoon

Didazoon

  • D. haoae
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Beidazoon

Pomatrum

  • P. ventralis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Beidazoon

Vetulicolia

  • V. cuneata
  • V. gantoucunensis
  • V. rectangulata
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Vetulicola rectangulata and V. cuneata

Yuyuanozoon

  • Y. magnificissimi
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Yuyuanozoon

Ambulacraria edit

Echinodermata edit

Genus Species Material Notes Images

Dianchicystis

  • D. jianshanensis
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

Vetulocystis

  • V. catenata
  • Dozens of complete specimens.

Microdictyon is known from slcerite microfossils around the globe, while fossils from the Chengjiang are the only in the world to preserve the soft anatomy.

 
Reconstruction of Vetulocystis (bottom)


Phylum Ctenophora edit

3 species

Phylum Porifera edit

15 species

Enigmatic edit

24 species

 
Phlogites longus

Kingdom Protista (algae) edit

Cnidaria edit

3 species

References edit

  1. ^ Fossils of the Chengjiang Maotianshan Shale
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference BlackFo was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

Maotianshan Category:Maotianshan shales fossils