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AN EOCENE FROGFISH FROM MONTE BOLCA, ITALY: THE EARLIEST KNOWN SKELETAL RECORD FOR THE FAMILY
Author(s) -
CARNEVALE GIORGIO,
PIETSCH THEODORE W.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
palaeontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1475-4983
pISSN - 0031-0239
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-4983.2009.00874.x
Subject(s) - extant taxon , genus , dorsum , paleontology , biology , taxon , peduncle (anatomy) , dorsal fin , evolutionary biology , zoology , anatomy
Abstract: Eophryne barbutii gen. et sp. nov., a new frogfish from the Ypresian of Monte Bolca (Italy), is described. This taxon is the oldest member of the family Antennariidae known to date based on articulated skeletal remains. Eophryne barbutii gen. et sp. nov. possesses a unique combination of features that supports its recognition as a new genus of the family Antennariidae. It is characterized by the presence of tiny bifurcated dermal spinules on the skin between and on the surface of the second and third dorsal‐fin spines, a naked illicium, outermost caudal‐fin rays simple, caudal peduncle present, 11 dorsal‐fin rays, and seven anal‐fin rays. Eophryne gen. nov. shows a certain degree of phenetic resemblance to the extant genera Antennarius , Histrio and Nudiantennarius . Palaeoecological and evolutionary implications are also discussed.