[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Asioaspis brachyotus • A New Genus of Polybranchiaspiformes (Galeaspida: stem-Gnathostomes) from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan, China

 

Asioaspis brachyotus

 R.-R. Zhang, N. Zhang, Li, Zhu & Gai, 2026

 

VERTEBRATA ALASIATICA. 64(2);   

 

A new genus and species, Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. of Polybranchiaspiformes, is described from the Lower Devonian Lochkovian Xishancun Formation near Miandian Reservoir, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China. The new genus is characterized by an elongated ovoid headshield with serrated lateral margins, a small subcircular median dorsal opening, short and laterally projecting cornual processes, an exceptionally broad ventral rim, 12 pairs of branchial fossae, and coarse granular tubercles (~3/mm²). It displays a mosaic of characters of the most primitive polybranchiaspiform (Platylomaspis), derived Polybranchiaspiformes, and even the basal members of the galeaspid family Dayongaspidae. Phylogenetic analysis resolves A. brachyotus as an intermediate taxon between the most primitive Gumuaspidae and other derived Polybranchiaspiformes. Although A. brachyotus also shares the broad ham-brim-like ventral rim with the Gumuaspidae, its other characters are more like other derived Polybranchiaspiformes. In particular, its median dorsal opening and paired orbital openings are not highly close-set on the top of the headshield as in the Gumuaspidae, but rather significantly separated from each other and close to the margin of the ventral rim as in the Pentathyraspidae, Duyunolepididae, and Polybranchiaspidae. These proportions indicate that it was unlikely to have lived a semi-infaunal lifestyle and are more consistent with the epibenthic habit typical of most galeaspids, representing an evolutionary transition from the semi-infaunal benthic to epibenthic lifestyle within Polybranchiaspiformes.

Photograph of Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. from Lower Devonian Xishancun Formation, Qujing, Yunnan in ventral view
A. an incomplete headshield, paratype, IVPP V26676. 2; B. a nearly complete dorsal headshield, holotype, V26676. 1
A. an incomplete dorsal headshield, IVPP V26676.5; B. an incomplete dorsal headshield, V26676.4b

Subclass Galeaspida Tarlo, 1967 

Supraorder Polybranchiaspidida Janvier, 1996 

Order Polybranchiaspiformes Liu, 1965 

Family Asioaspidae fam. nov. 

Type genus Asioaspis gen. nov. 

Differential diagnosis: The Asioaspidae is distinguished from other families of Polybranchiaspiformes by its short, ear-like, and laterally projecting cornual processes. It resembles the Gumuaspidae in having a broad ventral rim, but differs in lacking a rostral process. It differs from the Duyunolepididae, Pentathyraspidae, and Polybranchiaspidae by the presence of a broad ventral rim and further differs from the Duyunolepididae by bearing a pair of broad inner cornual processes. Therefore, a new family, the Asioaspidae fam. nov., is herein established.

Genus Asioaspis gen. nov.  

Type species Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: Asioaspis is derived from Asio (referring to owls of the genus Asio characterized by prominent ear tufts) plus aspis (Greek shield). 

Diagnosis: Medium-sized polybranchiaspiform characterized by an ovoid headshield with serrated lateral margins; the rostral margin arcuate, but lacking a rostral process; the cornual processes short and projecting laterally; the inner cornual processes large and broad leaf-shaped; median dorsal opening small and subcircular in shape; orbital opening large, round, and dorsally positioned; the sensory canals are well developed, V-shaped posterior supraorbitals and four pairs of lateral transverse canals issuing from the lateral dorsal canal; ventral rim of headshield remarkably broad, 13.5–14.1 mm in width on each side (approximately one half of the width of the entire headshield); a large dome-shaped oralobranchial chamber (a composite chamber with both oral and branchial functions) with 12 pairs of branchial fossae; and ornamentation consists of coarse tubercles (~3/mm²)

 Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: The brachyotus means short-eared, which is in reference to its short and laterally projecting cornual processes that resemble a pair of short ears on the headshield, as in Asio.

Type locality and horizon: Miandian Reservoir in the Triathlon Sports Park, Qilin District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China; Xishancun Formation, lower Lochkovian, Lower Devonian.

Morphological comparison of Polybranchiaspiformes, Dayongaspidida, and Huananaspidiformes

A. Asioaspis; B. Dayongaspis (Zhang et al., 2024); C. Foxaspis (Gai et al., 2023); D. Platylomaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); E. Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015); F. Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015); G. Nanningaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018)

A–E, G. in dorsal views; F. in ventral view.  

Phylogenetic diagram of Dayongaspidida, Polybranchiaspiformes, and Huananaspidiformes
Dayongaspis (Zhang et al., 2024); Platylomaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); Nanningaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); Polybranchiaspis (Liu, 1965); Foxaspis (Gai et al., 2023); Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015).

No scaled

 Life restoration of Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

ZHANG Rui-Rui, ZHANG Ning, LI Qiang, ZHU Min and GAI Zhi-Kun. 2026. Asioaspis, A New Genus of Polybranchiaspiformes (Galeaspida, stem-Gnathostomes) from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan, China.  VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. 64(2); 137-150.  DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260113 [20 April 2026] 

https://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260113

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] New Data on the sarcopterygian Koharalepis jarviki (Tetrapodomorpha: Canowindridae) from the Late Devonian of Antarctica, revealed via Synchrotron and Neutron Tomography

 

Koharalepis jarviki Young & Ritchie, 1992  
3D rendering of Koharalepis jarviki (AMF 54325) from neutron tomographic data.

  in Mensforth, Long, Bevitt et Clement, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2026.1765271

Artwork: Thomas Turner

Abstract

Introduction: The ‘osteolepiforms’ are an extinct order of lobe-finned fishes that had a cosmopolitan distribution, which are often considered for their proximity to the vertebrate water-to-land transition. The canowindrids are an East Gondwanan clade of tetrapodomorph fishes that exhibit a high level of endemism. However, due to the rarity of canowindrid material and their taphonomy, there is only a single representative preserved wholly in 3D and thus suitable for investigation via modern non-invasive tomography.

Methods: Here we present an updated description of the holotype of Koharalepis jarviki, a canowindrid collected from the Late Devonian Aztec Siltstone formation in Mt Crean, Antarctica, elucidated via a combination of synchrotron and neutron tomography.

Results and discussion: New elements of the braincase, palate, mandible and axial skeleton are revealed for the first time, and previously reported anatomy including the dermal skull and position of the orbits are confirmed. A partial braincase and endocast has been reconstructed, enabling rare insight into the neural anatomy of Koharalepis. Phylogenetic analysis confirms Koharalepis as a member of the Canowindridae with Harajicadectes zhumini recovered as sister taxon. The canowindrids occupy a region of the phylogenetic tree with ‘osteolepidid’ taxa and megalichthyids, crownward of rhizodonts but below tristichopterids and elpistostegalids. This work provides greater support for the taxonomic characters and phylogenetic position of the enigmatic canowindrid family, and the 3D preservation of this material has enabled us to infer some behavioural and ecological insight.

Keywords: 3D modelling, canowindrid, Devonian, endocast, neutron tomography, phylogenetic analysis, Sarcopterygii, tetrapodomorph

3D rendering of Koharalepis jarviki (AMF 54325) from neutron tomographic data in (A) dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) anterior view, (D) left lateral view and (E) posterior view.

Et, extra temporal; Ju, jugal; L.Ex, lateral extrascapular; M.Ex, median extrascapular; Op, operculum; Par, parietal; Po, postorbital; PP, postparietal; Sclm, supracleithrum; Sq, squamosal.

Life reconstruction of the Devonian tetrapodomorph fish Koharalepis jarviki.

Artwork: Thomas Turner/Flinders University

 Koharalepis jarviki Young & Ritchie, 1992

Corinne L. Mensforth, John A. Long, Joseph J. Bevitt and Alice M. Clement. 2026. New Data on the sarcopterygian Koharalepis jarviki (Tetrapodomorpha; Canowindridae) from the Late Devonian of Antarctica, revealed via Synchrotron and Neutron Tomography. Front. Ecol. Evol. (14); DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2026.1765271 [16 April 2026]

[Paleontology • 2025] Rugososporomyces lavoisierae (Glomeromycotina: Glomeromycetes) • An arbuscular mycorrhiza from the 407-million-year-old Windyfield Chert identified through advanced fluorescence and Raman imaging:

Rugososporomyces lavoisierae Strullu-Derrien & Schornack, 

in Strullu-Derrien, Wightman, McDonnell, Evans, Fercoq, Kenrick, Ferrari et Schornack, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/nph.70655  

 x.com/CStrulluDerrien 

Mycorrhizal associations between fungi and plants are a fundamental aspect of terrestrial ecosystems. Mycorrhizas occur in c. 85% of extant plants, yet their geological record remains sparse. Rare fossil evidence from early terrestrial environments offers crucial insights into these ancient symbioses, but visualizing fossil fungi at the microscale within plant tissues is challenging.

Here, we combine confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate a newly identified fungus and cellular structures of a 407-Myr-old plant from the Windyfield Chert, a stratigraphically distinct fossiliferous unit from Rhynie (Scotland). We also applied Raman spectroscopy to investigate the carbon framework of both fungal and plant tissues.

This integrative approach revealed fungal structures in unprecedented detail. The fungus, Rugososporomyces lavoisierae gen. nov., sp. nov., exhibits features resembling extant Glomeromycotina arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This is the first record of mycorrhizas from the Windyfield Chert. FLIM further distinguished features at the subcellular level, while Raman spectroscopy showed that fungal arbuscules and vesicles of the plant water-conducting cells underwent geological alterations, resulting in a similar chemical composition.

These findings expand our understanding of ancient and extremely rare plant–fungal symbioses and highlight the potential of confocal-FLIM for advancing palaeobotanical research.

Keywords: AM mycorrhizas, confocal scanning laser microscopy, Devonian, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, fossil record, plant symbioic fingus, Raman Spectroscopy, 3D imaging

A morphologically distinct endomycorrhizal fungus colonizing the plant Aglaophyton majus

Systematics

Kingdom – Fungi R.T. Moore.

Phylum – Mucoromycota Doweld, emend. Spatafora & Stajich.

Subphylum – Glomeromycotina (C. Walker and A. Schüßler) Spatafora & Stajich, subphylum and stat. nov.

Class – Glomeromycetes Caval.-Sm.

Order – Incertae sedis – Strullu-Derrien & Schornack.

Genus – Rugososporomyces Strullu-Derrien & Schornack gen. nov.

Etymology – Rugoso refers to the nature of the spore wall; sporo is from the Greek spora meaning spore; myces is the Latin word for fungus.

Genus diagnosis – Fungus with aseptate intercellular hyphae with H branching, spores, vesicles and intracellular arbuscules. Differs from other fungi in the Rhynie Chert in the following ways: spore wall possibly bilayered, with a relatively thick, rugose wall; smaller diameter of the branching hyphae; hyphae terminating in a spore are either smaller or larger than other hyphae; the ratio of spore diameter to hyphal width is smaller; the spores are comparatively either smaller or larger.

Species – Rugososporomyces lavoisierae Strullu-Derrien & Schornack sp. nov.

Etymology – In honor of Marie-Anne Paulze de Lavoisier (1758–1836), who was a collaborator of her husband, Antoine Laurent de Lavoisier and was his laboratory assistant. The scientific collaboration of this husband-wife team is perhaps unique among the giants of respiratory physiology (West, 2013). Together, they pioneered Physiology and established the basis of modern Chemistry, two areas relevant to our study.

Species diagnosis – Branched hyphae 3.5–6.5 μm in diameter; unbranched hyphae 7 μm in diameter when terminating in a spore and 4 μm in diameter when terminating in a vesicle; basal stalk of the arbuscules 3.5 μm in diameter. Spores globose, up to 74 μm in diameter, with a 3.1 μm thick rugose and possibly bilayered wall. Subtending hypha closed by a septum. Vesicles range from globose (up to 39 μm in diameter) to elongate (41 μm wide, 50 μm long).

Holotype – specimens in slide no. NMS G.2022.11.48.1 at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. Fig. 1.

Locality – Rhynie, North-West of Aberdeen (Scotland): Windyfield Cherts Unit (Rice & Ashcroft, 2004).

Age – Lower Devonian (407.1 ± 2.2 Ma) (Mark et al., 2011).

  

Christine Strullu-Derrien, Raymond Wightman, Liam Patrick McDonnell, Gareth Evans, Frédéric A. Fercoq, Paul Kenrick, Andrea C. Ferrari and Sebastian Schornack. 2025. An arbuscular mycorrhiza from the 407-million-year-old Windyfield Chert identified through advanced fluorescence and Raman imaging. New Phytologist. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/nph.70655 [12 November 2025]

  x.com/CStrulluDerrien/status/1988628967931236440

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Sphyragnathus tyche • A New predatory Actinopterygian from the Tournaisian of Nova Scotia provides insight into the Evolution of Actinopterygian Feeding

 

Sphyragnathus tyche

Wilson, Mansky & Anderson, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2025.2498453

ABSTRACT

The Devonian–Carboniferous transition represents a fundamental shift in vertebrate faunal composition and ocean ecology. Tournaisian-aged outcrops of the Horton Bluff Formation from Blue Beach, Nova Scotia capture this moment and yield a diverse fauna of actinopterygians and other vertebrates. Here, we report an actinopterygian mandible preserved in 3D, representing a new genus and species, Sphyragnathus tyche. This mandible is elongate, deeply curved, and bears a primary dentition of heterodont fangs. Actinopterygian identity is established by the characteristic ornamentation, dentition, and overall mandible construction observed in the specimen. Analysis of the relationship between mandible and body length in Paleozoic actinopterygians establishes S. tyche as a relatively large actinopterygian. Mandible length, curvature, and fang morphology combine to produce a functionally differentiated dentition with distinct regions for prey capture and prey processing. Comparison with modern actinopterygians places S. tyche as a back-fanged macrodont, distinguishing it from front-fanged macrodont actinopterygians of the Late Devonian. This earliest known instance of back-fanged macrodonty in the actinopterygian fossil record provides further evidence of actinopterygian morphological differentiation post-Devonian and implies experimentation in feeding mode. Apparent changes in feeding mode are underscored by analysis of stress distribution across the dentition of Devonian front-fanged macrodont actinopterygians and S. tyche. Although this specimen is compatible with a previous ‘head-first’ model of morphological diversification in early Carboniferous actinopterygians, we argue that a ‘feeding-first’ model is a better fit.

 

  Sphyragnathus tyche sp. nov. 

Conrad D. Wilson, Chris F. Mansky and Jason S. Anderson. 2025. A New predatory Actinopterygian from the Tournaisian of Nova Scotia provides insight into the Evolution of Actinopterygian Feeding. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2498453. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2025.2498453  [18 Jun 2025]

[PaleoBotany • 2025] Zosterophyllum baoyangense • The smallest Zosterophyllum plant from the Lower Devonian of South China and the divergent life-history strategies in zosterophyllopsids

 

Zosterophyllum baoyangense Huang & Xue, 

in Huang, J.-S. Wang, Y.-L. Wang, Liu, Zhao et Xue. 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.2337

Abstract

Plants have evolved different life-history strategies to overcome limited amounts of available resources; however, when and how divergent strategies of sexual reproduction evolved in early land plants are not well understood. As one of the notable and vital components of early terrestrial vegetation, the Zosterophyllopsida and its type genus Zosterophyllum reached maximum species diversity during the Pragian (Early Devonian; ca 410.8–407.6 million years ago). Here we describe a new species, Zosterophyllum baoyangense sp. nov., based on well-preserved specimens from the Pragian-aged Mangshan Group of Duyun, Guizhou Province, China. The new plant is characterized by its small size, K-shaped branching and tiny spikes with 5–10 sporangia. This plant is most likely r-selected, completing its whole lifespan in a short time, and such a strategy contributes to reproduction in a suitable window time. In contrast, most other species of Zosterophyllum and the zosterophyllopsids on a broader scale are larger in body size and have greater investments in fertile tissues, reflected in the size and total number of sporangia. We argue that the zosterophyllopsids probably benefited from the divergence of various life-history strategies and thus constituted a major part of the Early Devonian floras.

Keywords: early land plants, Zosterophyllum baoyangense sp. nov., Early Devonian, life-history strategies

  Zosterophyllum baoyangense sp. nov. (a,b) PB203562, part and counterpart, showing a fertile axis with K-shaped branching and a terminal spike. Arrows highlight branching points. The parts indicated by arrows c and d are enlarged in (c,d), respectively; (c) K-shaped branching; (d) branching point showing a nearby protuberance (arrow); (e,f) Enlarged view of the terminal spike in (a) and (b); (g) enlarged view of the basal part of the spike in (e). Arrow points to the margin of the basal sporangium. (h) Enlargement of the distal sporangia in (f) (arrow h), showing dehiscence line (white arrow) and peripheral rim along the convex distal margin (the area between two black arrows). Scale bars: (a,b), 10 mm; (c–f), 1 mm; (g,h), 0.5 mm.

 Systematic palaeontology

Class: Zosterophyllopsida Hao & Xue [2013]

Order: Zosterophyllales Hao & Xue [2013]

Family: Zosterophyllaceae Banks [1968]

Genus: Zosterophyllum Penhallow [1892]

Type species Z. myretonianum Penhallow [1892]

Zosterophyllum baoyangense Huang & Xue sp. nov.

Specific diagnoses. Rhizome with K-shaped branching. Erect axis with tiny spikes. Axes 0.5−1.3 mm wide. Spikes, 5.8−10.8 mm high and 2.0−2.8 mm in maximum width, consisting of 5–10 sporangia that are spirally arranged. Sporangia oval to semicircular, 1.6−2.0 mm high and 0.9−1.4 mm wide, departing from axis at an acute angle by a short stalk. Thin peripheral rim ca 80 μm wide, extending along the convex distal margin and lacking thickened dehiscence mechanism.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Baoyang Village, where the fossils were collected.

Holotype designated herein. PB203562 

 Artist’s restoration of part of the Early Devonian Mangshan flora, with plant communities of Zosterophyllum baoyangense sp. nov. at the front, and Teyoua antrorsa, Zosterophyllum australianum and an unnamed zosterophyllopsid to the back.

Locality and horizon. Baoyang Section, Baoyang Village, Duyun City, Guizhou Province; the lower part of the Mangshan Group; Early Devonian (Pragian; see electronic supplementary material, figure S1).

Repository. All specimens are deposited at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.

Pu Huang, Jia-Shu Wang, Yi-Ling Wang, Lu Liu, Jing-Yu Zhao and Jin-Zhuang Xue. 2025. The smallest Zosterophyllum plant from the Lower Devonian of South China and the divergent life-history strategies in zosterophyllopsids. Proc. R. Soc. B. 292; 20242337. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.2337

 

 

[PaleoIchthyology • 2022] Langlieria smalingi • Second Species of Langlieria (Sarcopterygii: Tristichopteridae) from the Upper Devonian Catskill Formation of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., and A New Phylogenetic Consideration of Tristichopteridae

Langlieria smalingi

Downs & Daeschler, 2022

DOI: 10.1635/053.167.0115 

 

Abstract

A new species of Langlieria is described from the Upper Devonian (Frasnian) Irish Valley Member of the Catskill Formation. The type material was collected from a road cut exposure on the north side of the westbound lanes of Pennsylvania Route 322 west of Port Matilda, Centre County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. The new species of Langlieria, the second from the Catskill Formation, is represented by high quality cranial material including parietal and postparietal shields, cheek, principal gular, and lower jaw; fin material; and body scales. The new species is the fourth tristichopterid to be described from the Catskill Formation (after Hyneria lindae, Langlieria radiatus, and Eusthenodon bourdoni) and the first from the Irish Valley Member. It is also the first species of Langlieria with a known record in the Frasnian. Sedimentological and stratigraphic data suggest that the discovery site represents a distal, tide-dominated location within the Catskill Delta system with a greater marine influence than has been reconstructed for the previously described Catskill Formation tristichopterids. A new phylogenetic analysis of Tristichopteridae is presented that is the first to include the new species of Langlieria described here and E. bourdoni from the Cogan House Exit Ramp locality (Famennian, Duncannon Member) along U.S. Route 15/Interstate 99. The 50% majority-rule consensus tree from the analysis supports a highly-nested clade of tristichopterids that includes all of the considered species from the Famennian, with the exception of Heddleichthys dalgleisiensis, and additionally includes the Frasnian Langlieria species that is described here.

Langlieria smalingi

Jason P. Downs and Edward B. Daeschler. 2022. Second Species of Langlieria (Tristichopteridae, Sarcopterygii) from the Upper Devonian Catskill Formation of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., and A New Phylogenetic Consideration of Tristichopteridae. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 167(1); 241-260. DOI: 10.1635/053.167.0115 

 

NEW SPECIES OF ANCIENT FISH DISCOVERED ALONG PENNSYLVANIA ROADSIDE

newsblog.drexel.edu/2022/04/26/new-species-of-ancient-fish-discovered-along-pennsylvania-roadside/

[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Ngamugawi wirngarri • A Late Devonian coelacanth reconfigures Actinistian Phylogeny, Disparity, and Evolutionary Ddynamics

 

Ngamugawi wirngarri 

Clement, Cloutier, Lee, King, Vanhaesebroucke, Bradshaw, Dutel, Trinajstic & Long, 2024 

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51238-4

Abstract

The living coelacanth Latimeria (Sarcopterygii: Actinistia) is an iconic, so-called ‘living fossil’ within one of the most apparently morphologically conservative vertebrate groups. We describe a new, 3-D preserved coelacanth from the Late Devonian Gogo Formation in Western Australia. We assemble a comprehensive analysis of the group to assess the phylogeny, evolutionary rates, and morphological disparity of all coelacanths. We reveal a major shift in morphological disparity between Devonian and post-Devonian coelacanths. The newly described fossil fish fills a critical transitional stage in coelacanth disparity and evolution. Since the mid-Cretaceous, discrete character changes (representing major morphological innovations) have essentially ceased, while meristic and continuous characters have continued to evolve within coelacanths. Considering a range of putative environmental drivers, tectonic activity best explains variation in the rates of coelacanth evolution.

 

Ngamugawi wirngarri 
A, B ‘Part a’ of WAM 09.6.148 (holotype) shown in left dorsolateral view and skull close up in left lateral view. C ‘Part b’ of WAM 09.6.148 (holotype) showing all exposed elements; D partial braincase of NMV P231504 (paratype) shown in right lateral view; E cleithrum of NMV P231504 (paratype) in mesial and lateral view; F, G skull reconstruction in dorsal and left lateral view.

Abbreviations: Ang angular, Cl cleithrum, Clv clavicle, Dt dentary, Exc extracleithrum, icj intracranial joint, ioc infraorbital canal, L.Gu lateral gular, Lj lachrymojugal, mc mandibular canal, L.Ex lateral extrascapular, Op operculum, Par Parietal, Po postorbital, Pop preoperculum, Pp postparietal, Pmx premaxilla, Psym parasymphysial, Q quadrate, Ro.p1 anterior pore of the rostral organ, Ro.p2 antero-lateral pore of the rostral organ, Ro.p3 postero-lateral pore of the rostral organ, So supraorbitals, soc supraorbital canal, Sop Suboperculum, Spl splenial, Sq squamosal.

Systematic palaeontology

Osteichthyes Huxley 1880

Sarcopterygii Romer 1955

Actinistia Cope 1871

Ngamugawi wirngarri gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Ngamugawi wirngarri gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished from all other coelacanths by the following apomorphies: jugal canal with prominent branches; large sensory pore openings between supraorbitals and parietals; teeth on parasymphysial tooth plate, but not on the dentary; prearticular and/or coronoid teeth rounded; cleithra and extracleithra with broad triangular anteroventral overlap for clavicle bearing a large ventral foramen; and scales with long ornamental ridges extending beyond the posterior margin of the base (Figs. 1, 2, Supplementary Fig. 1).

Locality and horizon: Canning Basin, in northern Western Australia, circa 100 km southeast of Fitzroy Crossing; Gogo Formation, early Frasnian, Late Devonian (~384–382 Ma). The holotype was found between Stromatoporoid Camp and Longs Well, the paratype was found in Paddys Valley. 

Etymology: Generic name meaning “ancient fish” in Gooniyandi/Guniyandi, language of the First Nations people from Country around Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Specific name is given in honour of respected Gooniyandi elder and ancestor Wirngarri, who lived in the Emanuel Range. Generic and specific names were both provided to Prof. John Long in September 2023, who has a longstanding and ongoing relationship with the community, with permissions to use the language granted by elder Rosemary Nuggett, on behalf of the Gooniyandi people of the Mimbi community.

Phylogenetic relationships and divergence dates within coelacanths, based on tip-dated Bayesian inference.

A live recreation of the Ngamugawi wirngarri coelacanth in its natural habitat. P3D graphic credit: Katrina Kenny. 

 Illustration by Katrina Kenny (courtesy Flinders University)

 Alice M. Clement, Richard Cloutier, Michael S. Y. Lee, Benedict King, Olivia Vanhaesebroucke, Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Hugo Dutel, Kate Trinajstic and John A. Long. 2024. A Late Devonian coelacanth reconfigures Actinistian Phylogeny, Disparity, and Evolutionary Ddynamics. Nature Communications. 15: 7529. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51238-4

  

[Paleontology • 2023] Krommaster spinosus • Earliest Known ophiuroids (Ophiuroidea: Encrinasteridae) from high Palaeolatitude, southern Gondwana, recovered from the Pragian to earliest Emsian Baviaanskloof Formation (Table Mountain Group, Cape Supergroup) South Africa

Krommaster spinosus

Reddy, Thuy, Reid & Gess, 2023

 

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292636

Abstract

For the first time, ophiuroids have been found in South African strata predating the lowermost Bokkeveld Group. These comprise natural moulds and casts from two localities in the ‘upper unit’ of the Baviaanskloof Formation (Table Mountain Group). As a Pragian to earliest Emsian age has been inferred for this member, the new taxa comprise the earliest high-palaeolatitude ophiuroid records from southern Gondwana. Morphological analysis of the specimens revealed the presence of two distinct taxa. One is here described as Krommaster spinosus gen. et sp. nov., a new encrinasterid characterised by very large spines on the dorsal side of the disc, the ventral interradial marginal plates and the arm midlines. The second taxon is a poorly preserved specimen of Hexuraster weitzi, a cheiropterasterid previously described from the slightly younger Bokkeveld Group.

 

   

Krommaster from the Baviaanskloof Formation, Upper Unit, Cape Supergroup, Table Mountain Group, Eastern Cape South Africa paratypes.
 A- part aboral view (AM18224) with disk scales preserved, B- counterpart with holes, which comprise moulds of spines (image reversed) (AM18224A), C- silicone peel of the oral view (AM18221). Abbreviations; PS: periradial suture.

Systematic palaeontology

Class– OPHIUROIDEA Gray, 1840  

Order– OEGOPHIUROIDEA Matsumoto, 1915 

Suborder– LYSOPHIURINA Gregory, 1897  

Family– ENCRINASTERIDAE Schuchert, 1914  

Subfamily– ENCRINASTERINAE Schuchert, 1914  

Krommaster gen. nov.

Diagnosis—Moderately large encrinasterid with disk covered by a mosaic of small, thin scales and extending to the 5th or 6th arm segment; interradii bound by relatively small marginal plates except for a single larger plate bearing a single very large, conical, pointed spine; similar but slightly smaller spines on dorsal disk and along the dorsal midline of the arms; ambulacrals with a very sharp transverse furrow close to the distal edge of the leg of the boot; adambulacral plates with two to three relatively large, short, conical, pointed lateral arm spines.

Etmology—‘Kromm’ From Kromme River, in the canyon of which the ophiuroid lag deposit was recovered. Krom is the Afrikaans word for curve. ‘Aster’, latin meaning star.

Krommaster spinosus sp. nov.

 Etymology—‘spinosus’, latin for spiny or spiky, referring to the presence of large spines on the central disk and arms.

Type locality and stratum—Early Devonian, Pragian to earliest Emsian, ‘upper unit,’ Baviaanskloof Formation, Table Mountain Group, Cape Supergroup, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

  Caitlin Reddy, Ben Thuy, Mhairi Reid and Robert Gess. 2023. Earliest known ophiuroids from high palaeolatitude, southern Gondwana, recovered from the Pragian to earliest Emsian Baviaanskloof Formation (Table Mountain Group, Cape Supergroup) South Africa. PLoS ONE. 18(10): e0292636. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292636

 phys.org/news/2023-11-oldest-samples-brittle-stars-supercontinent.html

[PaleoIchthyology • 2024] Harajicadectes zhumini • A New Stem-Tetrapod Fish (Sarcopterygii: Tetrapodomorpha) from the Middle–Late Devonian of central Australia

 

 Harajicadectes zhumini

Choo, Holland, Clement, King, Challands, Young & Long, 2024

 DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2285000  

Illustration by Brian Choo

ABSTRACT

Remote Devonian exposures in central Australia have produced significant but highly fragmentary remains of fish-grade tetrapodomorphs. We describe a new tetrapodomorph from the Middle–Late Devonian (Givetian–Frasnian) Harajica Sandstone Member of the Amadeus Basin, Northern Territory, which is represented by several nearly complete skulls along with much of the body and postcranial skeleton. The new form has a posteriorly broad postparietal shield, broad, triangular extratemporal bones, and a lanceolate parasphenoid. The spiracular openings are particularly large, a character also recorded in elpistostegalians and Gogonasus, demonstrating that these structures, suggestive of spiracular surface air-breathing, appeared independently in widely differing nodes of the stem-tetrapod radiation. A phylogenetic analysis resolves the new form within a cluster of osteolepidid-grade taxa, either as part of a polytomy or as the most basally-branching representative of a clade containing ‘osteolepidids,’ canowindrids, and megalichthyids.

  Harajicadectes zhumini from the Harajica Sandstone Member (Givetian–Frasnian), Northern Territory, Australia, Holotype NTM P6410.
A, photographed as a natural mold in situ as it was discovered in 2016; B, as a whitened latex peel; and C, interpretative drawing.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

OSTEICHTHYES Huxley, 1880

SARCOPTERYGII Romer, 1955

TETRAPODOMORPHA Ahlberg, 1991

Genus HARAJICADECTES gen. nov.

HARAJICADECTES ZHUMINI, gen. nov. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Tetrapodomorph fish with greatly enlarged spiracular openings, comprising over 20% of the total length of the skull-roof, bordered by the tabular, extratemporal, and squamosal. Parietal and postparietals of roughly equal length. Elongate intertemporal that widens anteriorly. Posterior nasals narrower than the anterior and posterior supraorbitals. Median extrascapular tapers anteriorly into a V-shaped recess formed by the large rounded lateral extrascapulars. Elongate lanceolate parasphenoid with denticles larger on the anterior part of the bone. Scales display ridged ornamentation and lack cosmine. Anterior squamation cycloid, abruptly shifting to a rhombic shape on the rear flank.

Etymology—“Harajica Biter.” Named for the Harajica Sandstone Member and the ancient Greek dēktēs (“biter”) in reference to the animal’s large fangs and presumed predatory habits. The species honors Professor Min Zhu of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing, China, for his numerous contributions to early vertebrate paleontology.

Type Locality and Horizon—Harajica Sandstone Member of the Parke Siltstone. Locality 6 of Young (Citation1985), about 2 km southwest of the southern end of Stokes Pass, Amadeus Basin, Northern Territory. Givetian–Frasnian in age (Fig. 1).

Life reconstruction of  Harajicadectes zhumini, a 40 cm long lobe-finned fish that is not too distantly related to the fishes that gave rise to the earliest limbed tetrapods.

(Illustration by Brian Choo, Flinders University)

 

 

Brian Choo, Timothy Holland, Alice M. Clement, Benedict King, Tom Challands, Gavin Young and John A. Long. 2024. A New Stem-Tetrapod Fish from the Middle–Late Devonian of central Australia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2285000. DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2023.2285000  

[Paleontology • 2022] Needmorella simoni • A New Trilobite Genus (Dalmanitidae: Synphoriinae) from the Lower–Middle Devonian of West Virginia

Needmorella simoni 

Holloway & Scott, 2022

DOI: 10.1017/jpa.2022.96 

 twitter.com/scottforteacher 

Abstract 

The trilobite Needmorella new genus, with type species Needmorella simoni new genus new species from the late Emsian to mid-Eifelian Needmore Shale of West Virginia, is a distinctive member of the subfamily Synphoriinae. It also occurs in the same formation in Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is not very similar to other Devonian representatives of the subfamily and is considered to have its origins in a morphologically less-derived ancestor because it shares certain similarities with Silurian genera, including the very short anterior cephalic border unmodified by crenulations or spines, S2 that is not largely reduced to a deep pit adaxially, the relatively low inflation of L3, and the well-defined interpleural furrows on the pygidium. Other particularly distinctive characters of the genus include the very long genal spines and the abaxially inflated and expanded posterior pleural bands on the thorax and pygidium that project slightly distally. The conventional concept of the Devonian synphoriine Anchiopsis Delo, 1935 appears to be incompatible with the holotype of the type species, judging from the early illustrations of the specimen, and the genus could be a synonym of Synphoria Clarke, 1894.

 

David J. Holloway and Brian M. Scott. 2022. Needmorella, A New Trilobite Genus of the Synphoriinae (Dalmanitidae) from the Lower–Middle Devonian of West Virginia. Journal of Paleontology. DOI: 10.1017/jpa.2022.96

  twitter.com/scottforteacher/status/1600246058730524673

[PaleoIchthyology • 2023] Foxaspis novemura • Postcranial Disparity of galeaspids (Galeaspida) and the Evolution of Swimming Speeds in Stem-gnathostomes

Foxaspis novemura

Gai, Lin, Shan, Ferrón & Donoghue, 2023

DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad050 

 Researchgate.net/publication/368895582

Abstract

Galeaspids are extinct jawless relatives of living jawed vertebrates whose contribution to understanding the evolutionary assembly of the gnathostome bodyplan has been limited by absence of postcranial remains. Here, we describe Foxaspis novemura gen. et sp. nov., based on complete articulated remains from a newly discovered Konservat-Lagerstätte in the Early Devonian (Pragian, ∼410 Ma) of Guangxi, South China. F. novemura had a broad, circular dorso-ventrally compressed headshield, slender trunk and strongly asymmetrical hypochordal tail fin comprised of nine ray-like scale-covered digitations. This tail morphology contrasts with the symmetrical hypochordal tail fin of Tujiaaspis vividus, evidencing disparity in galeaspid postcranial anatomy. Analysis of swimming speed reveals galeaspids as moderately fast swimmers, capable of achieving greater cruising swimming speeds than their more derived jawless and jawed relatives. Our analyses reject the hypothesis of a driven trend towards increasingly active food acquisition which has been invoked to characterize early vertebrate evolution.

Keywords: Galeaspida, jawed vertebrates, evolution, functional morphology, phylogenetics, modelling

Class Galeaspida Tarlo, 1967

Order Polybranchiaspidiformes Liu, 1965

Family Duyunolepididae P'an et Wang, 1978

Genus Foxaspis gen. nov.

Foxaspis novemura gen. et sp. nov.

 

Etymology. After the nine-tailed fox, a creature spoken of in the ancient Chinese mythological bestiary, the Shan-hai Ching (Classic of Mountains and Seas) which is a compilation of mythic geography and myth. Latin novem meaning nine; Latin -ura, meaning tail.

Holotype. A complete headshield articulated with body and tail V30958.1a,bpreserved together with a complete arthrodiran fish (Fig.1A,B).

Locality and horizon. Tongmu Town, Jinxiu County, Laibin City, Guangxi ZhuangAutonomous Region, China, the Xiaoshan Formation, Pragian, Early Devonian (Supplementary Fig. 1).

Zhikun Gai, Xianghong Lin, Xianren Shan, Humberto G. Ferrón and Philip C. J. Donoghue. 2023. Postcranial Disparity of galeaspids and the Evolution of Swimming Speeds in Stem-gnathostomes. National Science Review. nwad050. DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad050

  Researchgate.net/publication/368895582_Postcranial_disparity_of_galeaspids_and_the_evolution_of_swimming_speeds_in_stem-gnathostomes