SIPHOPFENDERINA GEN. NOV. (TYPE-SPECIES ARENOBULIMINA GEYIKENSIS SOLAK, 2022), A PRIMITIVE PFENDERINID FORAMINIFERA FROM THE CRETACEOUS OF NEOTETHYS

Abstract

The presence of a pseudokeriothecal wall structure is traditionally given a generic or even higher taxonomic status (in association with other features). A new trochospirally coiled taxon displaying a thick wall with pseudokeriotheca and a central siphon (hollow columella) is herein described as Siphopfenderina gen. nov. Such a taxonomic reappraisal is based on original figures and description of Arenobulimina geyikensis Solak. It is herein included within the Pseudopfenderininae due to its primitive “pfenderinid”-like morphology. Siphopfenderina geyikensis (Solak) comb. nov. was described from Aptian neritic Urgonian-type carbonates of the Taurides (Turkey) and said to be the only species of the genus Arenobulimina Cushman (family Ataxophragmiidae) especially due to such a type of wall structure. Arenobulimina is a typical (outer) shelf taxon, smaller in size, and with a thin and typically coarsely agglutinated wall. Other occurrences of Siphopfenderina gen. nov. are described in open nomenclature from the Aptian of Spain and Central Iran, as well as the Upper Cretaceous of Serbia, Croatia and Iran. Arenobulimina cochleata Arnaud-Vanneau from the Lower Cretaceous of France is assigned to Siphopfenderina herein. The taxonomic discrimination of these other species might be related to size and morphology criteria that requires further research.