Click on the image to zoom
Brachyprion sp. (LPC7_201) from the Baton River
|
Brachyprion sp.
Phylum: Brachiopoda
Genus: Brachyprion Species: Not known Location found: Baton Valley |
These specimens from the Baton River are relatively poorly preserved and therefore difficult to identify with any certainty. They appear to belong to members of the order, Strophomenida. Several species from this order have been recognised in the Devonian of the Reefton and Baton River areas, including Leptostrophia reeftonensis, Leptostrophia (Rhytistrophia) shirleyi and Maoristrophia neozelanica. They are all characterised by their semi-circular shape, finely ribbed shells and straight hinge with evidence of denticulation (i.e. teeth).
These specimens are somewhat distinct because the angle between the lip of the shell and the hinge is greater than 90 degrees, and the profile is somewhat flattened compared to other species in this order. On that basis I have tentatively referred them to the genus Brachyprion, but firm identifcation awaits the discovery of better specimens. Brachyprion sp. (LPB4_32) from the Baton River
|
Specimens LPC7_197 and LPC7_198: a split pair - negative )(left) and positive (right)
Further Reading: Allan, R.S. 1947 A revision of the Brachiopoda of the Lower Devonian strata of Reefton Journal of Palanteology 21 (5), 436-452. Shirley, J. 1938 The fauna of the Baton River beds (Devonian), New Zealand. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society 94, 459-506. |