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Ventral valve
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Reeftonella neozelanica
Phylum: Brachiopoda
Genus: Reeftonella Species: Reeftonella neozelanica Location found: Reefton |
Reeftonella neozelanica is one of the most common species in the Devonian rocks in the Reefton area, and one of the most interesting palantaeologically. The species may be an early Terebratulidae, in which case it is a precursor to one of the largest and most long-lasting families of brachiopods, which still survives today. In New Zealand, its nearest relative is the brachiopod Liothyrella neozelanica, which hangs off rock walls in Fiordland.
Like other Devonian brachiopods, the species has had a chequered history in terms of identification, and has previously been named Meganteris neozelanica and Beachia neozelanica, before being reclassified as Reeftonella neozelanica, based on specimens from New York, by Boucot (1959). As such, it is a relative of Centronella. Distinctive external features of the species are its subcircular to shield-shaped outline, its short but robust beak, which is often divided by a marked medial slit, and its clearly defined and rather deep growth lines. The ventral valve is often considerably larger than the dorsal valve, and the beak. In material from Reefton, however, specimens show considerable variation in shape due to the effects of tectonic distortion, depending on both where they are found and the nature of their matrix (see images below). Though generally only slightly oval (ca. 50 mm in width x 40 min length), one specimen (below right) is extended to a length of 90 mm. |
Further Reading: Allan, R.S. 1947 A revision of the Brachiopoda of the Lower Devonian strata of Reefton, New Zealand. Journal of Palanteology 21 (5), 436-452. Boucot, A.J. 1959 Brachiopods of the Lower Devonian Rocks at Highland Mills, New York. Journal of Paleontology , 33 (5), 727-769. |
Other Specimens in the Collection