Fenestrate Bryozoans in the Acanthopyge Limestone (Eifelian) in the Barrandian Area (Czech Republic)

Abstract

Abstract The first occurrence of fenestrate bryozoans is reported from the Acanthopyge Limestone (Eifelian) in the Koněprusy area of the Czech Republic. Fragmented zoaria have been identified in lightgrey crinoidal-limestone rich with brachiopods, corals, and stromatoporoids. Several species of fenestrates are evident, but poor preservation and fragmentation of zoaria allow only approximate taxonomic determination. The fenestrates, Fenestella sp., Laxifenestella (?) sp., Hemitrypa sp., Polyporella sp., Ptylopora sp., and Reteporina sp., are illustrated and briefly described. The presence of fenestrates has a great palaeoenvironmental significance. Fenestrates together with brachiopods, stromatopoids, and corals indicate a high-energy reef environment on the Koněprusy submarine elevation in the upper Eifelian. Morphology of fenestrates and high morphological disparity of brachiopods are remarkably similar to the faunas of the Pragian age in the Koněprusy area suggesting a similar reef environment. The upper Eifelian age of the locality is evidenced by conodonts of the Tortodus kockelianus Zone.