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Paleobiology and taphonomy of the pycnodont fish Nursallia gutturosum, based on material from the Latest-Cenomanian-middle Turonian Vallecillo platy limestone, Mexico

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Abstract

The platy limestone deposit of Vallecillo, located in north-eastern Mexico, offers a wide variety of invertebrate and vertebrate species dated to the latest Cenomanian-middle Turonian (Late Cretaceous). The deposit is known to contain well preserved fossils, e.g., fishes, in which the bones are recrystallized to calcite but soft tissue is also preserved. The fish assemblage is dominated by pelagic fast swimmers but also includes the common pycnodont Nursallia gutturosum, a discus-like and compressed fish that was likely well-suited for maneuverability. A review of 90 individuals of this taxon indicates the presence of different ontogenetic stages, from early young to old age. The size range distribution of individuals also suggests intermittent migration out of the Vallecillo area. The taphonomical decay analysis of N. gutturosum allows for a differentiation of five preservational stages. The presence of frequently complete and articulated specimens suggests a deep dwelling life style, without carcass flotation to the surface.

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Acknowledgements

Eva Susanne Stinnesbeck thanks Wolfgang Stinnesbeck who introduced her to the Vallecillo locality in Mexico. We are grateful to Ing. Mauricio Fernández Garza who provided generous access to his private collection of fossils. Logistic assistance and access to the Museo del Desierto (MUDE) collection of Vallecillo fossils were provided by Arturo González and José Manuel Padilla Gutierrez. We gratefully acknowledge the constructive reviews of this manuscript by John Joseph Cawley and Lionel Cavin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Regina-Pacis-Weg 3, 53113, Bonn, Germany

    Eva Susanne Stinnesbeck & Jes Rust

  2. Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Adenauerallee 160, 53113, Bonn, Germany

    Fabian Herder

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  1. Eva Susanne Stinnesbeck
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  2. Jes Rust
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Correspondence to Eva Susanne Stinnesbeck.

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Handling Editor: Jürgen Kriwet.

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Stinnesbeck, E.S., Rust, J. & Herder, F. Paleobiology and taphonomy of the pycnodont fish Nursallia gutturosum, based on material from the Latest-Cenomanian-middle Turonian Vallecillo platy limestone, Mexico. PalZ 93, 659–668 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-019-00461-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-019-00461-2

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