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Spiniferites paradoxus
Spiniferites paradoxus (Cookson and Eisenack, 1968) Sarjeant, 1970
Originally Hystrichosphaera, subsequently (and now) Spiniferites.
Holotype: Cookson and Eisenack, 1968, text-figs.2G,3
Locus typicus: Perth Basin, Australia
Stratum typicum: Senonian
Original diagnosis: Cookson and Eisenack, 1968, p.114: Hystrichosphaera paradoxa
The single example recovered from the Gingin Brook silty limestone between 202 and 204 feet is lying sideways on. In this position it is somewhat pear-shaped in that the antapical portion is more rounded than the apical. The apex of the central body bears a small cylindrical prominence, while its surface supports a system of ledges which approximates in arrangement to those of Hystrichosphaera furcata and H. ramosa. A girdle divided into fields is evident. In the apical region high membranous ledges form a hollow "cap" which surmounts the apex of the central body and ends in a short median projection bearing short, slightly forked appendages at about half its length. Similar appendages are also present at the corners of the fields and on the ledges, for example of the girdle and at the basal parts of the pylome which is recognisable on the left hand side of the specimen. On the side opposite to the pylome and commencing just above the girdle there is a system of membranes which extend downwards forming a wide outgrowth, the edges of which also bear short forked appendages. Both apical and antapical outgrowths seem to be six-sided; the dorsal side (left hand) appears to have no such membranes.
Dimensions: Central body 50x42 µm; overall 94x64 µm.
Originally Hystrichosphaera, subsequently (and now) Spiniferites.
Holotype: Cookson and Eisenack, 1968, text-figs.2G,3
Locus typicus: Perth Basin, Australia
Stratum typicum: Senonian
Original diagnosis: Cookson and Eisenack, 1968, p.114: Hystrichosphaera paradoxa
The single example recovered from the Gingin Brook silty limestone between 202 and 204 feet is lying sideways on. In this position it is somewhat pear-shaped in that the antapical portion is more rounded than the apical. The apex of the central body bears a small cylindrical prominence, while its surface supports a system of ledges which approximates in arrangement to those of Hystrichosphaera furcata and H. ramosa. A girdle divided into fields is evident. In the apical region high membranous ledges form a hollow "cap" which surmounts the apex of the central body and ends in a short median projection bearing short, slightly forked appendages at about half its length. Similar appendages are also present at the corners of the fields and on the ledges, for example of the girdle and at the basal parts of the pylome which is recognisable on the left hand side of the specimen. On the side opposite to the pylome and commencing just above the girdle there is a system of membranes which extend downwards forming a wide outgrowth, the edges of which also bear short forked appendages. Both apical and antapical outgrowths seem to be six-sided; the dorsal side (left hand) appears to have no such membranes.
Dimensions: Central body 50x42 µm; overall 94x64 µm.