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Actinopterygian and acanthodian fishes from the Viséan of East Kirkton, West Lothian, Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2011

M. I. Coates
M. I. Coates
Affiliation:
University Museum of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 2EJ, U.K.
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Abstract

Forty-one specimens of acanthodians and actinopterygians were examined from Units 26 to 38 of the Geikie Tuff, Little Cliff Shale and East Kirkton Limestone of the Viséan East Kirkton Limestone sequence. The results yielded six actinopterygian species including a platysomid and two probable juveniles of uncertain affinities, and three acanthodians including two acanthodidids and a climatiid-like denticle. Most specimens consist of isolated bones and scales, but articulated remains of an acanthodian and actinopterygians were found in Units 37 and 38 of the East Kirkton Limestone. The faunal composition is characteristically Oil-Shale in aspect and resembles that of Broxburn (Pumpherston). The presence of deep-bodied and juvenile fishes in the same strata combined with the mode of preservation indicate a palaeohabitat with limited current action and a soft substrate.

Keywords

AcanthodianactinopterygianCarboniferousClimatiiformesEurynotusPlatysomidaeViséanScotlandEast Kirkton
Type
Research Article
Information
Earth and Environmental Science Transactions of The Royal Society of Edinburgh , Volume 84 , Issue 3-4: Volcanism and early terrestrial biotas , 1993 , pp. 317 - 327
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Society of Edinburgh 1993

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