Gogia sp.

Gogia sp.

Fig. 4F, G View Fig .

Material.—Two incomplete specimens partially articulated (MPZ2004/194, 195) and several isolated plates that probably belong to a single disarticulated specimen (MPZ2004/196). All the material is preserved as natural moulds coated with limonite in green shale.

Description.—The most complete specimen ( Fig. 4F View Fig ) (MPZ2004/194) possesses a rounded, conical theca, with a narrow base and expanded adoral surface. The theca height/ width ratio is approximately 2; the number of plates is approximately 70 per exposed surface. Plates are irregular in shape and ornamented with small crests; they are irregularly arranged with the primary plates surrounded by many small secondary ones. Plates are thick compared to those of other gogiids. Epispires are rare and confined to larger plates. They are small and lack a raised rim ( Fig. 4G View Fig 3 View Fig ), with a height/width ratio of about 1.7. A rounded lateral opening is observed in one specimen, with a diameter of 0.65 mm ( Fig. 4F View Fig ), which corresponds (in position) to the anal pyramids of other gogiids.

Brachioles are disarticulated in two of the specimens; as a result it is impossible to know their exact number and detailed morphology. They were probably quite low in number (4?), and fairly long and large. The brachiolar plates show a well developed food groove.

Discussion.—The general morphology of the theca, disposition of plates and the structure of epispires suggest that the material should be included in the genus Gogia .

Stratigraphic and geographic distribution.—Lower part of the Murero Formation, Badulesia granieri Zone , lower Caesaraugustian.