Anidias

Anidias is a genus of extinct marine invertebrates that lived during the Silurian period. These fossils are primarily found in Europe and North America. Anidias were likely sessile, meaning they were attached to the seafloor for much of their adult life. Their body plan was relatively simple, typically consisting of a flattened, disc-shaped body with a series of radiating canals. The exact taxonomic placement of Anidias has been a subject of debate among paleontologists, with some suggesting affinities with cnidarians or ctenophores, while others consider it a unique group.

Fossil specimens of Anidias are often preserved as impressions or as casts in sedimentary rocks. They are characterized by their circular outline and the presence of internal structures that suggest a feeding or reproductive system. The lack of preserved soft tissues makes definitive identification challenging. Studies of Anidias have contributed to our understanding of early marine ecosystems and the diversity of life during the Silurian, a time when marine invertebrates were rapidly diversifying. The limited fossil record means that much about their biology, lifestyle, and evolutionary relationships remains speculative.