Pliocene bivalves (Pteriomorphia) of Algiers Sahel (Algeria): Systematics and palaeoecology.

Abstract

A hundred specimens of pteriomorph bivalves were collected from the marine deposits of the marly-sandy formations of Algiers Sahel, which correspond to transitional facies between the Piacenzian deep marly deposits and the Astian molassic deposits. They are herein analysed from a systematic, taphonomic, palaeoecological and paleoenvironmental point of view. The preliminary inventory list consists of 27 species belonging to eight families: Arcidae, Nuculidae, Glycymeridae, Spondylidae, Pectinidae, Plicatulidae, Gryphaeidae, and Ostreidae. Two sedimentary units with different bivalve biodiversity are recognized: the first: a shallow infralittoral unit characterised by large Flabellipecten alessii, Aequipecten angelonii, Ostrea lamellosa and O. edulis; the second: A deeper unit of circalittoral environment mainly includes Amusium cristatum. These bivalve shells display sclerobiont traces. Bioerosion traces are mostly assignable to clionid sponges (Entobia isp.), polychaete worms (Maeandropolydora isp. and Caulostrepsis isp.), bivalves (Gastrochaenolites isp.) and predatory gastropods (Oichnus isp.). Identified encrusting organisms are juvenile oyster shells, cirripedes, polychaete worms (serpulids), and indeterminate bryozoans. Analysis of boring and encrusting traces indicate a progressive environmental change from a relative high energy setting to a lower energy and deeper water setting, and correspond to a shallow sea with well-oxygenated waters.