Yuyuanozoon


Yuyuanozoon magnificissimi is the largest known vetulicolian, with the holotype measuring about 202 millimeters in length. In life, it would have been an egg-shaped animal with a long cylindrical tail. The body is divided into 6 segments, with a gill opening placed symmetrically on each side of every body segment starting at the second segment. The cylindrical tail is divided into 7 segments, and differs from the tails of all other known vetulicolians.
The details of the tail anatomy, and of the gill openings with gill filaments currently leave Y. magnificissimi as incertae sedis.

Etymology

The generic name translates as "Animal of Yu Yuan," Yu Yuan being an ancient name for Chengjiang County. The specific name, magnificissimi, translates as "magnificent," in reference to the great size of the holotype.