Taxonomy and biostratigraphy of the elasmobranchs and bony fishes (Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes) of the lower-to-middle Eocene (Ypresian to Bartonian) Claiborne Group in Alabama, USA, including an analysis of otoliths Author Ebersole, Jun A. D48E2A2F-EC92-4C32-9F2A-2D39716C459E McWane Science Center, 200, 19 Street North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, USA. jebersole@mcwane.org Author Cicimurri, David J. F0155EA1-F5D6-49E4-B578-7A14DBB7B902 South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201, USA. dave.cicimurri@scmuseum.org Author Stringer, Gary L. 4E93392A-5916-44C6-B55A-9053A4F44C76 University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71209, USA. stringer@ulm.edu text European Journal of Taxonomy 2019 2019-12-06 585 1 274 journal article 10.5852/ejt.2019.585 dca608e8-fccf-4c1c-b8df-ef0c28e1d518 2118-9773 3660259 181B6FBA-ED75-4BB4-84C4-FB512B794749 Muraenesocidae indet. Fig. 69 E–F Material examined UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Alabama • 3 otoliths; GLS otolith comparative collection ( 2 specimens ), MSC 39064 . Description 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. Remarks 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. Stratigraphic and geographic range in Alabama This species was recovered only from the “upper” Lisbon Formation at site ACh-8. Bartonian, zones NP16 and NP17.