Pycnodus Agassiz, 1833

Poyato-Ariza F. J. & Wenz S., 2002, A new insight into pycnodontiform fishes, Geodiversitas 24 (1), pp. 139-248 : 152

Genus Pycnodus Agassiz, 1833

TYPE SPECIES. — By subsequent designation ( Blot 1987: 14): Coryphaena apoda Volta, 1809 . As explained in the general introduction, the correct date of publication of the paper usually cited as Volta (1796) is 1809. Early to middle Eocene from Monte Bolca, Italy. Only syntype currently available of Pycnodus apodus: MNHN BOL 0094. This specimen was described and figured as the valid new species Coryphaena apoda by Volta (1809: 147, 148, pl. 35, figs 1-3; on this plate, fig. 1 is syntype MNHN BOL 0094; fig. 2 is another syntype, of unknown current location; fig. 3 is not a pycnodontiform). Volta (1809) erected this specific name because the pelvic fins were apparently absent in those specimens ( Volta 1809: 148). Blainville (1818: 356) described it, without illustration but with explicit reference to Volta’s specimens, as an invalid new species of the genus Zeus , Z. platessus . Later on, Agassiz (1833), on the basis of the two specimens figured by Volta (1809: pl. 35, figs 1, 2; explicitly cited by Agassiz 1833: vol. II, pt. 1: 17), erected the genus Pycnodus . Later on, two additional specimens were figured by Agassiz (1839). However, Agassiz (1833, 1839) used the specific name platessus , which is a junior objective synonyme of apoda . The invalid specific name platessus has been broadly used since, but it is not a nomen oblitum because Eastman (1905: 10) used the valid specific name apodus (in grammatical accordance with Pycnodus ) with explicit reference to Volta (1809: pl. 35, fig. 1 only). For further synonymies, see Blot (1987: 14).

NOMEN DUBIUM. —“ Pycnodus laveirensis ” da Veiga Ferreira, 1961 , Turonian from Alcântara and Laveiras, Portugal. This is a small, juvenile-like species. Both the validity of the specific name and its assessment to Pycnodus remain to be revised and test- ed.

OTHER SPECIES. — Numerous nominal species based on isolated dentitions, mostly from the Eocene (e.g., Longbottom 1984).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — Syntype: MNHN BOL 0094-0095 (part and counterpart of a complete, we ll preserve d i n di v id ua l). O t h er spec i mens: MNHN BOL 0124-0125 , BOL 0126-0127 , BOL 0130-0131 , BOL 0134-0135 (all parts and counterparts of the same individuals) ; MCSNV B1 (fragment), II.D.167/168 (part and counterpart of subadult, complete specimen) ; II.D.170/171 (part and counterpart of large, complete specimen); II.D.180 (complete, subadult); T.309 (complete, juvenile); T.998/999 (part and conuterpart of juvenile specimen); I.G.135608/135609 (part and counterpart, almost complete, subadult); and I.G.135664 (almost complete, juvenile); NHLM P.44520** (complete subadult specimen, excellent preservation).