Sparus elegantulus, (Koken, 1888)

Lin, Chien-Hsiang & Nolf, Dirk, 2022, Middle and late Eocene fish otoliths from the eastern and southern USA, European Journal of Taxonomy 814, pp. 1-122 : 96

“ Sparus ” elegantulus ( Koken, 1888)

Fig. 36G–L

Otolithus (Pagelli) elegantulus Koken, 1888: 279 , pl. 17 figs 5–6.

“genus Sparidarum ” elegantulus – Nolf 1985: 88; 2003: 6, pl. 2 figs 1–2. — Nolf & Stringer 2003: pl. 6 figs 6–11.

“ Sparida ” elegantula – Nolf 2013: 103, pl. 264.

Remarks

Otoliths of “ S.” elegantulus show typical sparid affinities, but allocation to any Recent genus was not satisfactory. Therefore, we here follow Nolf’s (1985, 2013) interpretation, considering the taxon as an incertae sedis at the generic level. The dorsal rim of the otoliths of “ S.” elegantulus appears to have the highest variability. See also remarks under Centropristis priaboniana for comparative purposes.

Stratigraphic and geographic distribution

Lutetian: Weches Formation and “Stone City beds”, Texas; Piney Point Formation, Virginia. Bartonian: Cook Mountain Formation, Texas and Mississippi; “upper” Lisbon Formation, Alabama; Moodys Branch Formation, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Priabonian: Yazoo Clay, Louisiana.

Figures

Fig. 36. Fish otoliths from the US middle and upper Eocene.A–B. Antigonia sp., Piney Point F., Pamunkey River, Virginia. A. SW of Pampatike Landing (IRSNB P 10250). B. Devil’s Hole (IRSNB P 10251). C–F. Pagellus pamunkeyensis sp. nov., Piney Point F., Pamunkey River, 1 km E of Eanes property, Virginia. C–E. Paratypes (IRSNB P 10252–10254). F. Holotype (IRSNB P 10255). G–L. “Sparus” elegantulus (Koken, 1888). G. Landrum M., Pin Oak Creek, Texas (IRSNB P 10256). H–I. Wheelock M., Little Brazos River, Stenzel loc., Texas (IRSNB P 10257–10258). J–L. “Stone City beds”, Stone City Bluff, Brazos River, sample 2 from bed P, Texas (IRSNB P 10259–10261). 1 = ventral view; 2 = inner view. Scale bars = 1 mm.