This study reports the first known occurrence of the Ediacaran fauna in northeastern Brazil (at Pacujá Municipality, northwestern state of Ceará) and presents preliminary interpretations of its significance. Regional correlation indicates that the fossils originated in the Jaibaras Basin and that they may represent a new geological system. The depositional environment can be attributed to a fluviomarine system. Nine Ediacaran species can be identified, including members of pandemic groups (e.g., Charniodiscus arboreus Glaessner, 1959; ?Charniodiscus concentricus Ford, 1958; Cyclomedusa davidi Sprigg, 1947; Ediacaria flindersi Sprigg, 1947; and Medusinites asteroides Sprigg, 1949) and endemic groups (e.g., Kimberella quadrata Glaessner & Wade, 1966Glaessner MF and Wade M. 1966. The late Precambrian fossils from Ediacara, South Australia. Paleontology 9: 599-628.; Palaeophragmodictya reticulata Gehling & Rigby, 1996Gehling JG and Rigby JK. 1996. Long expected sponges from the Neoproterozoic Ediacara Fauna of South Australia. J Paleontol 70: 185-195.; Parvancorina minchami Glaessner, 1958; and Pectinifrons abyssalis Bamforth, Narbonne, Anderson, 2008Bamforth EL, Narbonne GM and Anderson MM. 2008. Growth and ecology of multi-branched Ediacaran Rangeomorph from Mistaken Point assemblage, Neufoundland. J Paleontol 82: 763-777.). Three ichnogenera are also present: Arenicolites Salter, 1857; Palaeophycus Hall, 1987; and Planolites Nicholson, 1873. The relative age of the deposits is between ?Ediacaran and Cambrian, and the fauna resembles the White Sea Assemblage. The bioturbation presents typical unbranched Ediacaran ichnogenera with little depth in the substrate. This previously unknown occurrence of the Ediacaran fauna reinforces the importance of the state of Ceará to Brazilian and global palaeontology.
Brazil; state of Ceará; Ediacaran fauna; fluviomarine environment; White Sea Assemblage
