Haemulon? obliquus ( Müller, 1999 ), Cuvier, 1829

Ebersole, Jun A., Cicimurri, David J. & Stringer, Gary L., 2019, Taxonomy and biostratigraphy of the elasmobranchs and bony fishes (Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes) of the lower-to-middle Eocene (Ypresian to Bartonian) Claiborne Group in Alabama, USA, including an analysis of otoliths, European Journal of Taxonomy 585, pp. 1-274 : 210-211

Haemulon? obliquus ( Müller, 1999)

Fig. 71 I–J

“genus aff. Xenistius ” obliquus Müller, 1999: 145 , pl. 30, figs 24–25.

“genus Haemulidarum ” obliquus – Nolf & Stringer 2003: 6 , pl. 6, figs 1a–2.

Material examined

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – Alabama • 9 otoliths; GLS otolith comparative collection (5 specimens), MSC 39062, WSU CC 470.1 , WSU CC 470.2 , WSU CC 472.1 .

Description

Sagitta generally oval in outline. Margins of smaller specimens sinuate and lobed, slightly lobed on larger specimens. Dorsal margin mainly evenly rounded, no domes, generally more sculptured. Anterior margin usually somewhat tapered, rounded.Posterior margin straighter, not as rounded as anterior margin. Ventral margin more deeply rounded than dorsal margin. Inner face only slightly convex, characterized by distinct sulcus (heterosulcoid-type). Length of ostium less than half the length of cauda; ostium twice the width of cauda. Ventral margin of ostium makes distinct nearly 90-degree upturn at junction with cauda. Dorsal margin makes similar downturn at caudal junction, but angle is less. Dorsal and ventral margins of cauda essentially parallel except for small downturned portion. Downturned portion distinct, short. End of cauda rounded, almost reaches posterior margin. Depressed area somewhat oval, elongated above cauda. Outer face slightly concave.

Remarks

Both Nolf (1985) and Müller (1999) referred this species to the genus Xenistius . However, as noted by Nolf & Stringer (2003), the sagittae of H.? obliquus do not compare well to the elongated sagittae of extant Xenistius . As the generic placement is not certain, the morphology is referred to Haemulon , the type genus of the Haemulidae , followed by a question mark as recommended by Janssen (2012).

Stratigraphic and geographic range in Alabama

This species is found in the “upper” Lisbon Formation at site ACh-8. Bartonian, zones NP16 and NP17.

Figures

Fig. 71. Claiborne Group, “upper” Lisbon Formation, otoliths. A–B. Lactarius kokeni Frizzell & Dante, 1965, MSC 39058. A. Inner face (right sagitta). B. Dorsal view. —C–D. Lactarius amplus Pomerol, 1973, MSC 39059. C. Inner face (left sagitta). D. Dorsal view. — E–F. Malacanthus? sulcatus (Koken, 1888), MSC 39061. E. Inner face (left sagitta, cauda worn). F. Dorsal view. — G–H. Orthopristis burlesonis Frizzell & Dante, 1965, MSC 39060. G. Inner face (left sagitta). H. Dorsal view. — I–J. Haemulon? obliquus (Müller, 1999), MSC 39062. I. Inner face (left sagitta). J. Dorsal view. — K–L. Anisotremus? sp., MSC 42236. K. Inner face (right sagitta). L. Dorsal view. — M–N. Percoidei, indet. 1, MSC 39063. M. Inner face (right sagitta). N. Dorsal view. — O–P. Sciaena intermedius (Koken, 1888), MSC 39050. O. Inner face (left sagitta). P. Dorsal view. — Q–R. Jeftichia copelandi Frizzell & Dante, 1965, MSC 39053. Q. Inner face (right sagitta, worn, especially anterior margin). R. Dorsal view. Scale bars: A–J, O–P=2 mm; K–L, Q–R =5 mm; M–N= 1 mm.