Chriolepis balboa, Schwarzhans & Aguilera, 2024

Chriolepis balboa n. sp.

Figure 33h–k View Fig

Holotype NMB P15756 View Materials ( Fig. 33h View Fig ), Tortonian , Angostura FM, Ecuador, PPP 3301 .

Paratypes 4 specimens Tortonian: 1 specimen Tuira FM , Pacific Panama, Darien, PPP 1163 ( NMB P15760 View Materials ) ; 3 specimens Gatun FM , Atlantic Panama, PPP 2168 ( NMB P15757-59 View Materials ) .

Referred specimens 2 specimens Tortonian, Gatun FM , Atlantic Panama, PPP 2168 .

Etymology Named after Vasco Núñez de Balboa, the first to name the Pacific Ocean after having crossed the Isthmus of Panama.

Diagnosis Otolith size up to 1.15 mm in length. OL:OH = 1.1. Otolith shape nearly rectangular but with depressed predorsal section. Postdorsal projection slightly protruding; ventral rim straight, horizontal. Sulcus long, with very low ostial lobe; OL:SuL= 1.55–1.7; sulcus inclination angle 8–14°. No subcaudal iugum. Ventral furrow close to ventral rim of otolith, regularly curved.

Description Otolith size up to 1.15 mm in length (holotype). OH:OT = 2.4–2.6. Otolith shape nearly rectangular with orthogonal preventral and postventral angles but somewhat depressed predorsal region and obtuse predorsal angle. Postdorsal projection rounded, slightly protruding. Anterior rim nearly vertical; posterior rim slightly inclined toward ventral, with weak concavity at level above caudal tip. Ventral rim flat, horizontal. All rims smooth.

Inner face moderately convex in both directions; area around sulcus slightly bulged. Sulcus long, slightly deepened, with very low ostial lobe, and rounded caudal tip; sulcus inclination angle 8–14°; OL:SuL = 1.55–1.7. No subcaudal iugum. Dorsal depression indistinct; ventral furrow distinct, close to ventral rim of otolith and regularly curved. Outer face evenly convex, slightly stronger than inner face, smooth.

Discussion Chriolepis balboa is a typical otolith of the genus Chriolepis but with an unusually long sulcus.