A cnidarian of actinian-grade from the Ediacaran Pound Subgroup, South Australia

Inaria karli gen. et sp. nov., a moderate sized lobate fossil from the Late Precambrian Ediacara assemblage, occurs in a number of modes of preservation involving composite moulding of a compressed, thin-walled bulbous organism. Numerous specimens occur on the soles of sandstones interbedded with relatively thick claystones within the Ediacara Member of the Rawnsley Quartzite (Pound Subgroup) in the central Flinders Ranges. Reconstruction suggests a sack-shaped anemone with an erect pharynx. It occupied a benthic position on the shelf below fair weather wave base. Comparisons with Ediacaran and Early Cambrian trace fossil and body fossil impressions with radial symmetry suggest that Inaria was a non burrowing precursor to actinian infauna.