Evidence for a single median fin-fold and tail in the Lower Cambrian vertebrate, Haikouichthys ercaicunensis

In this study, we illustrate an exceptionally well-preserved Haikouichthys ercaicunensis from the Lower Cambrian Chengjiang fauna that displays complete single dorsal, ventral and caudal fins. This 530-million-year old vertebrate is fish-shaped and characterized by a single median fin-fold, which is an essential trait of the initial vertebrate chordates. The radially orientated ray-like structures in its dorsal fin somewhat resemble but are probably not real radials seen in basal vertebrates, such as hagfishes and lampreys. The unique design of primitive fins and fin structures provides additional insights into the early evolution of vertebrates.