Mafangocaris multinodus from Chengjiang Maotianshan Shale
Uncommon Great Appendage Arthropod

Description: This unusual arthropod is known as Mafangocaris. The taxon is thought by some to be a synonym of Leanchoilia. The specimen is a member of the “great appendage arthropods” known as the opabinids after Opabinia from the Burgess Shale Fauna. Other members from Chengjiang are Jianfengia and Alalcomenaeus (see my other offerings for examples). The exceptional detail of the appendages is readily apparent in this fine specimen, and is indicative of the fact that this was a strong swimmer. This is a lateral view of the specimen; additional material may be obscured by matrix. I have included a reconstruction of the similar taxon Leanchoilia showing what they looked like in life.

Also see: Chengjiang Biota List Chengjiang Fossils