Muraenesocidae Kaup 1859

Muraenesocidae indet. Fig. 69 E–F

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – Alabama • 3 otoliths; GLS otolith comparative collection (2 specimens), MSC 39064.

Shape best described as ovate (sensu Smale et al. 1995); height/length ratios approximately 60%. Length ranges from 6.5–7.5 mm. Margins smooth except for dorsal and posterodorsal margins, which may be coarsely lobed or crenulated. Anterior margin short and tapered. Anterodorsal margin slighted inflated, fairly steep, long. Dorsal margin short, irregularly lobed. Posterodorsal margin broadly rounded; posterior margin short, very slightly rounded outwardly, almost vertical. Posteroventral, ventral, anteroventral margins evenly but not deeply rounded. Inner face slightly convex, marked by conspicuous sulcus. Sulcus extending approximately 80% length of inner face; slightly flexed toward the posteroventral margin. Sulcus apparently undivided. Anterior upper margin of sulcus appears upwardly turning near anterodorsal margin. Posterior portion of sulcus more deeply excavated than anterior portion. Posterior end of sulcus rounded. Indications of possible crista superior. No ventral furrow visible. Outer face slightly convex, especially at center. Dorsal portion of outer face more undulating.

Unfortunately, all three specimens are eroded, and it was difficult to ascertain detailed morphological features that would have assisted identification beyond the family level. Müller (1999) named Muraenesox rhomboideus from the Piney Point Formation of Virginia, which is Claibornian (Lutetian) in age.

This species was recovered only from the “upper” Lisbon Formation at site ACh-8. Bartonian, zones NP16 and NP17.