Species
Haikouichthys ercaicunensis
Haikouichthys ercaicunensisHaikouichthys ercaicunensis swam through early Cambrian shallow seas using rhythmic contractions of zigzag-shaped muscle segments known as myomeres. Measuring barely an inch long, this slender creature possessed a distinct head, eyes, and primitive gill structures supported by a cartilaginous braincase. Its streamlined form and defined fin folds marked the groundbreaking evolutionary debut of the vertebrate body plan over half a billion years ago.
PrehistoricCambrian
—observations
—countries
—peak records
ExtinctConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXExtinctRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhytoplankton, Marine detritus, Microbial mats
Predators
- Anomalocaris saron
- Amplectobelua symbrachiata
ThreatsNatural evolutionary pressures and ancient oceanographic changes (extinct)
HabitatsShallow marine shelf seas and muddy seafloors
Life spanUnknown
Classification
- FamilyMyllokunmingiidae
- SpeciesHaikouichthys ercaicunensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Extinct prehistoric species; known exclusively from the fossil record.
Responsible observation
- Fossil Identification: Look for dark carbonaceous films showing zigzag muscle blocks on fine-grained shale.
- Museum Viewing: Observe specimens under low-angle directional light to discern delicate head structures and gill pouches.
Predator Gaëtan J.-M. Potin and Allison C. Daley / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
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