Fish otoliths from the Early Oligocene of Mangyshlak, Kazakhstan

Abstract

Fish otoliths are described from the Uzunbas Formation (Rupelian) of the Karagie depression, Mangyshlak peninsula, West Kazakhstan. A total of 9 species are described, 3 as newly established (Pterothrissus caspiensis sp. nov., Palaeogadus schwarzhansi sp. nov., Palimphyes stolyarovi sp. nov.) and 2 in open nomenclature. This is the first record of Rupelian otoliths from Kazahstan and the Turan Bassin, which formed the eastward part of the Paratethys during later Paleogene times. As a consequence the fauna from the Uzunbas ravine shows similarity with the better known Ruppelian fish faunas of the Caucasus, the Crimea, and West Europe. Gadiform otoliths dominate the otolith association (Raniceps tuberculosus, Palaeogadus schwarzhansi sp. nov., Palaeogadus germanus, Palaeogadus rarus). This indicates marine, rather temperate paleoenvironment within the neritic zone.