Zhongjianichthys rostratus[a] is an extinct species basal chordate that lived in the Cambrian Period, approximately 518 million years ago, in what is now Southwest China.

The eyes of Zhongjianichthys are located behind an antero-dorsal lobe of the head, and the mouth apparently did not have a jaw.

In fact, it is known to have had a thicker skin than other early chordates because, unlike Myllokunmingia, which also lived in the Cambrian, no impressions of its myomeres have been found.

This could have been a factor in the evolution of its comparatively thicker skin, as protection from predators which may have lurked on or near the sea floor.

[3] The shales contain many zones of Konservat Lagerstatten which have aided in the preservation of this animal's soft body.