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. Author Cicimurri, David J. Author Stringer, Gary L. text European Journal of Taxonomy 2019 2019-12-06 585 1 274 journal article 24105 10.5852/ejt.2019.585 dca608e8-fccf-4c1c-b8df-ef0c28e1d518 3660259 181B6FBA-ED75-4BB4-84C4-FB512B794749 Haemulon ? obliquus ( Müller, 1999 ) Fig. 71 I–J “genus aff. Xenistius ” obliquus Müller, 1999: 145 , pl. 30, figs 24–25. “genus Haemulidarum ” obliquus – Nolf & Stringer 2003: 6 , pl. 6, figs 1a–2. Material examined UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – Alabama • 9 otoliths; GLS otolith comparative collection ( 5 specimens ), MSC 39062, WSU CC 470.1 , WSU CC 470.2 , WSU CC 472.1 . Description Sagitta generally oval in outline. Margins of smaller specimens sinuate and lobed, slightly lobed on larger specimens. Dorsal margin mainly evenly rounded, no domes, generally more sculptured. Anterior margin usually somewhat tapered, rounded.Posterior margin straighter, not as rounded as anterior margin. Ventral margin more deeply rounded than dorsal margin. Inner face only slightly convex, characterized by distinct sulcus (heterosulcoid-type). Length of ostium less than half the length of cauda; ostium twice the width of cauda. Ventral margin of ostium makes distinct nearly 90-degree upturn at junction with cauda. Dorsal margin makes similar downturn at caudal junction, but angle is less. Dorsal and ventral margins of cauda essentially parallel except for small downturned portion. Downturned portion distinct, short. End of cauda rounded, almost reaches posterior margin. Depressed area somewhat oval, elongated above cauda. Outer face slightly concave. Remarks Both Nolf (1985) and Müller (1999) referred this species to the genus Xenistius . However, as noted by Nolf & Stringer (2003) , the sagittae of H.? obliquus do not compare well to the elongated sagittae of extant Xenistius . As the generic placement is not certain, the morphology is referred to Haemulon , the type genus of the Haemulidae , followed by a question mark as recommended by Janssen (2012) . Stratigraphic and geographic range in Alabama This species is found in the “upper” Lisbon Formation at site ACh-8. Bartonian, zones NP16 and NP17.