NEW OCTOPODS (CEPHALOPODA: COLEOIDEA) FROM THE LATE CRETACEOUS (UPPER CENOMANIAN) OF HÂKEL AND HÂDJOULA, LEBANON

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-4983.2008.00828.x
• Publication Date: 2009-01-01T18:49:04Z
• Authors: DIRK FUCHS; GIACOMO BRACCHI; ROBERT WEIS
• Keywords: Cenomanian

Abstract: Three previously unknown octopods are described from Upper Cenomanian limestones of the Hâqel and Hâdjoula localities (Lebanon). Keuppia levante gen. nov., sp. hyperbolaris nov,. nov. Styletoctopus annae nov, . regarded as earliest representatives Octopoda (= Incirrata). This assumption is mainly based on their medially isolated bipartite gladius vestige. As can be inferred growth increments, distinguished genus Palaeoctopus by blades that grow forwards along longitudinal axis. The vestige differs in having a more heterogeneous course lines. Based pair widely separated stylets, which closely resemble rods modern octopods, assigned to Recent family Octopodidae. Peculiar encrustations, situated close association with vestiges interpreted basal fin cartilages. morphology opens possibility both Octopda Cirroctopoda originated loligosepiid vampyropods instead teudopseid. surprising existence stylet‐like suggests octopod clade branched off much earlier than believed. Octopod apomorphies such development loss fins cirri must have been occurred before Cenomanian.