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Ichthyofauna from the Phosphorites of El-Kouif Locality (Algerian-Tunisian Border Area)

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Recent Research on Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Marine Geosciences and Geochemistry (CAJG 2019)

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Abstract

Paleontological content of sedimentary phosphorites in El-Kouif locality, northeastern Algeria, was analyzed. Materials were concentrated by sample washing and outcrops surface collecting of friable phosphorites facies, yielding a multitude of phosphatised fish teeth rich in species of variable morphology, representing 15 species of Elasmobranchii (Euselachii and Batoidea). The fish fauna indicates tropical to temperate paleo-environmental conditions. Most of the species represent benthic/nektonic forms of coastal areas with neritic and midwater depths. This fish fauna confirms a Thanetian age for the phosphatic formation of El Kouif, highlighting the importance of fossil fish for the formation of sedimentary phosphorites. Apparently, this Thanetian assemblage occupied a relatively narrow gulf.

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Correspondence to Salim Boulemia .

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Boulemia, S., Hamimed, M., Djoulah, B. (2022). Ichthyofauna from the Phosphorites of El-Kouif Locality (Algerian-Tunisian Border Area). In: Çiner, A., et al. Recent Research on Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Marine Geosciences and Geochemistry. CAJG 2019. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72547-1_50

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