“ Neobythites ” stringeri sp. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: A1E1BA6B-78E3-4FCC-BAE7-35737F87131D

Fig. 8D–E

Diagnosis

OL/OH = 1.6–1.8, OsL/CaL = 2.9–4.1. Fusiform otoliths with blunt antero-dorsal bulge and pointed posterior rim.Anterior rim largely blunt. Sulcus wide, elongate, well-divided. Ostium markedly elongate; cauda oval, pointing downward.

Etymology

This species is dedicated to Gary L. Stringer (University of Louisiana at Monroe) for his major contributions to the knowledge of the fossil otoliths from the USA.

Type material examined

Holotype UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • Right otolith; Alabama, Hatchetigbee Bluff, Hatchetigbee Formation; Fig. 8E; IRSNB P 10749.

Paratypes (3 in total) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • 3 otoliths of which one is figured: Fig. 8D; same collection data as for holotype; IRSNB P 10748.

Type locality and horizon

United States of America, Hatchetigbee Bluff (Alabama), Hatchetigbee Formation.

Dimensions of the holotype

Length = 4.36 mm; height = 2.43 mm; thickness = 1.21 mm.

Description

This species is characterized by robust and fusiform otoliths that bear a blunt antero-dorsal bulge, forming the highest and thickest part of the otoliths in the anterior portion (Fig. 8E 1). The otoliths taper in the posterior part and end with a pointed tip. The ventral rim is regularly curved. The inner face is convex; the outer face is essentially flat, becoming thinner towards the ventral and posterior rims. The sulcus occupies nearly the entire length of the inner face and is constituted by a long, horizontal ostium and a very short, downward-bent cauda. A shallow dorsal depression is observed above the central part of the crista superior. The ventral area is slightly larger than the dorsal one.

Remarks

At first glance, the otoliths of “ N. ” stringeri sp. nov. are very similar to those of N. longesulcatus sp. nov. (see above), but they can be distinguished by the short, strongly bent cauda and larger ventral area in the former species. “ Neobythites ” stringeri is only known form the type locality.

Stratigraphic and geographic distribution

Ypresian: Hatchetigbee Formation, Alabama.