A impression of the sea floor during the Cambrian Radiation (Image: GETTY)
The fossil of the ancient animal is approximately 4cm in diameter and features a set of 18 tentacles covered in thin hair. The creature originated during the Cambrian Radiation, an epoch of time that saw a diversity of biological adaptations evolving rapidly. The creature was discovered in a mudstone sample taken from outcrops scattered among rice fields and farmlands.
The scientists speculate that the ancient creature could have used its tentacles, or combs, to catch prey.
The creature has been dubbed Daihua, after the Dai tribe living near the excavation area.
The “hua," part of its name is Mandarin for "flower”.
University of Bristol molecular paleobiologist Jakob Vinther said: ”When I first saw the fossil, I immediately noticed some features I had seen in comb jellies.
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