Observations on the ichnospecies <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monomorphichnus multilineatus</Emphasis> from the Nagaur Sandstone (Cambrian Series 2-Stage 4), Marwar Supergroup,India

The Ediacaran–Cambrian Marwar Supergroup exposed in the western Rajasthan, India yielded abundant sigmoidal scratches assigned to ichnospecies Monomorphichnus multilineatus from the Nagaur Sandstone belonging to the Cambrian (Series 2-Stage 4). Nagaur M. multilineatus are recorded from the intertidal regime. It is an addition to already known depositional environments for this ichnospecies, which are known from shallow marine, wave-dominated, to non-marine or brackish water and storm-dominated sequences. Classical systematics of M. multilineatus is enriched with additional information in the paper. Its significance has been discussed regarding the palaeoecology of trace producers. Comprehensive statistical analyses help reveal its behaviour and feeding pattern of the causative organism of M. multilineatus. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), average linkage and Pearson Correlation were performed to establish the natural grouping and behaviour of the specimens. HCA indicates that the studied Nagaur specimens belong to ichnogenera Monomorphicnus and ichnospecies, i.e., multilineatus. Pearson correlation, involving thickness and length of individual specimen, was positive. It indicates that the amount of food required by individual adult specimen was more and thereby requiring more grazing to provide enough food for survival. All the known occurrences of M. multilineatus are reviewed in the present study for their mode of preservation, depositional environment, palaeoecology and taphonomy.     

Paleoweathering and Paleoclimatic Reconstructions using Neoproterozoic Paleosol in the Eastern Margin of the Pranhita-Godavari Basin,India

Paleogene sediments of the inner fold belt, Naga hills, have very well preserved ichnofossils. 16 ichnospecies have been documented among 13 ichnogenera such as Arenicolites isp., Chondrites targionii, Cylindrichnus isp., Diplocraterion parallelum, Gyrochorte isp., Ophiomorpha annulata, O. irregulaire, O. nodosa, O. rudis, Palaeophycus tubularis, Planolites beverleyensis, Scolicia palaeobullia, Skolithos linearis, Trypinites weisei, Thalassinoides horizontalis and Zoophycos isp. The ichnofossil assemblages comprise mostly domichnia and fodinichnia benthos of the Skolithos and Cruziana ichnofacies. A shallow marine nearshore to offshore marine environment with fluctuating energy condition has been envisaged.     

Morphological features of Cretaceous dinocysts of genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vesperopsis</Emphasis>, Bint, 1986, their facies confinement,and stratigraphic significance

A comparative morphological analysis is performed for 13 valid dinocyst species of genus Vesperopsis. Their distribution over Eurasia and North America in the Hauterivian–Cenomanian is traced and the characteristics of these deposits are given. Three species of the most stratigraphically significant dinocysts are distinguished: V. fragilis for the Upper Hauterivian of Western Siberia and V. mayi and V. longicornis for the Aptian of East Greenland. Analysis of facies confinement of the dinocysts Vesperopsis made it possible to group species of the considered genus over conditionally preferable paleosettings. Continental facies (freshwater, brackish-water) are characterized by species V. yanjiensis, V. glabra, V. sanjiensis, and V. jixianensis, while V. zhaodongensiis, V. didaoensis, and V. dolabella are typical of the coastal–marine facies, and V. digitatа, V. nebulosa, and V. mayi are typical of marine facies.     

Elastic behavior of vanadinite,Pb<Subscript>10</Subscript>(VO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript>, a microporous non-zeolitic mineral

The high-pressure behavior of a vanadinite (Pb₁₀(VO₄)₆Cl₂, a = b = 10.3254(5), c = 7.3450(4) Å, space group P6₃/m), a natural microporous mineral, has been investigated using in-situ HP-synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction up to 7.67 GPa with a diamond anvil cell under hydrostatic conditions. No phase transition has been observed within the pressure range investigated. Axial and volume isothermal Equations of State (EoS) of vanadinite were determined. Fitting the P–V data with a third-order Birch-Murnaghan (BM) EoS, using the data weighted by the uncertainties in P and V, we obtained: V ₀ = 681(1) Å³, K ₀ = 41(5) GPa, and K′ = 12.5(2.5). The evolution of the lattice constants with P shows a strong anisotropic compression pattern. The axial bulk moduli were calculated with a third-order “linearized” BM-EoS. The EoS parameters are: a ₀ = 10.3302(2) Å, K ₀(a) = 35(2) GPa and K′(a) = 10(1) for the a-axis; c ₀ = 7.3520(3) Å, K ₀(c) = 98(4) GPa, and K′(c) = 9(2) for the c-axis (K ₀(a):K ₀(c) = 1:2.80). Axial and volume Eulerian-finite strain (fe) at different normalized stress (Fe) were calculated. The weighted linear regression through the data points yields the following intercept values: Fe _a (0) = 35(2) GPa for the a-axis, Fe _c (0) = 98(4) GPa for the c-axis and Fe _V (0) = 45(2) GPa for the unit-cell volume. The slope of the regression lines gives rise to K′ values of 10(1) for the a-axis, 9(2) for the c-axis and 11(1) for the unit cell-volume. A comparison between the HP-elastic response of vanadinite and the iso-structural apatite is carried out. The possible reasons of the elastic anisotropy are discussed.     

Systematic paleontology,biostratigraphy, paleobiogeography of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Loftusia</Emphasis> (foraminifera) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rudist</Emphasis> assemblages in a regressive sequence in the Hekimhan-Malatya area (Eastern Anatolia) Turkey

The Maastrichtian regressive sequence of the Hekimhan-Malatya area in Eastern Turkey consists of dolomitic limestones, limestones and calcareous mudstones which are dominated by rudists and Loftusia (foraminifera) assemblages. Several Loftusia species indicating middle to late Maastrichtian age such as Loftusia anatolica Meriç, L. baykali Meriç, L. coxi Henson, L. harrisoni Cox, L. minor Cox and L. morgani Douvillé have been recorded. Other benthic foraminifers present include Orbitoides medius d’ Archiac, Omphalocyclus macroporus (Lamarck), Laffitteina conica Drooger, Laffitteina mengaudi (Astre) and Laffitteina oeztuerki Inan. The rudists are abundant in the dolomitic limestones in the study area. The genus Miseia Patrulius is dominant and represented by Miseia bilacunosa Özer and Miseia hekimhanensis Karacabey-Öztemür. The Loftusia species and the Rudists assemblage indicates middle to late Maastrichtian age for the formation. The paleobiogeographic distribution of the assemblage has been discussed taking this find into account.     

Representatives of genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Malbosiceras</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomeliceras</Emphasis> (Neocomitidae,Ammonoidea) from the Berriasian of the Crimean Mountains

The revised representatives of ammonite genera Malbosiceras and Pomeliceras from the Berriasian of the Crimean Mountains are classed with seven species, four of the first genus [M. malbosi (Pictet), M. chaperi (Pictet), M. broussei (Mazenot), M. pictetiforme Tavera] and three of the second one [P. aff. boisseti Nikolov, P. breveti (Pomel), P. (?) funduklense Lysenko et Arkadiev sp. nov.]. The identified species are described. The genus Mazenoticeras is considered as synonym of Malbosiceras. The above species prove that all the Berriasian zones (jacobi, occitanica and boissieri) are characteristic of corresponding deposits in the Crimean Mountains.     

The use of ultrasonic frequencies to control the bloom formation,regrowth, and eco-toxicity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis>

This study is focused on the use of ultrasound to disrupt Microcystis aeruginosa growth, with consideration for the gap between laboratory-scale experiment and field application. Laboratory-scale sonication systems with different frequencies (i.e., 20, 584, 869, and 1137 kHz) for 30 min at 10-min intervals were conducted to investigate their effectiveness at disrupting M. aeruginosa growth. The toxicological effect of sonicated M. aeruginosa including microcystin-LR was also evaluated using a Daphnia magna acute toxicity test. High frequencies, 869 and 1137 kHz, resulted in more than a 60% reduction of cells after 30 min of sonication. Low to middle frequencies, 20 and 584 kHz, only showed a 30% reduction of cells after 30 min of sonication. High frequencies also led to the inactivation of cell proliferation during M. aeruginosa regrowth, due to cellular destruction and finally cell death. However, the concentration of microcystin-LR and the potential adverse effects of M. aeruginosa on D. magna could not be controlled using ultrasonic frequencies. Therefore, our results suggest that ultrasonic frequencies between 869 and 1137 kHz are effective at controlling bloom formation in M. aeruginosa and the regrowth of M. aeruginosa after sonication, but not at controlling microcystin-LR concentrations and its adverse effects on D. magna. Consequently, a combined purification technology to reduce the cyanotoxins such as microcystin-LR, rather than ultrasonic frequency alone, will be needed to control M. aeruginosa growth and its toxicity levels in the aquatic environment.     

Stability at high-pressure,elastic behaviour and pressure-induced structural evolution of CsAlSi<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>, a potential host for nuclear waste

The elastic and structural behaviour of the synthetic zeolite CsAlSi₅O₁₂ (a = 16.753(4), b = 13.797(3) and c = 5.0235(17) Å, space group Ama2, Z = 2) were investigated up to 8.5 GPa by in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction with a diamond anvil cell under hydrostatic conditions. No phase-transition occurs within the P-range investigated. Fitting the volume data with a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation-of-state gives: V ₀ = 1,155(4) ų, K _T0 = 20(1) GPa and K′ = 6.5(7). The “axial moduli” were calculated with a third-order “linearized” BM-EoS, substituting the cube of the individual lattice parameter (a ³, b ³, c ³) for the volume. The refined axial-EoS parameters are: a ₀ = 16.701(44) Å, K _T0a = 14(2) GPa (β_a = 0.024(3) GPa^?1), K′ _a = 6.2(8) for the a-axis; b ₀ = 13.778(20) Å, K _T0b = 21(3) GPa (β_b = 0.016(2) GPa^?1), K′ _b = 10(2) for the b-axis; c ₀ = 5.018(7) Å, K _T0c = 33(3) GPa (β_c = 0.010(1) GPa^?1), K′ _c = 3.2(8) for the c-axis (K _T0a:K _T0b:K _T0c = 1:1.50:2.36). The HP-crystal structure evolution was studied on the basis of several structural refinements at different pressures: 0.0001 GPa (with crystal in DAC without any pressure medium), 1.58(3), 1.75(4), 1.94(6), 3.25(4), 4.69(5), 7.36(6), 8.45(5) and 0.0001 GPa (after decompression). The main deformation mechanisms at high-pressure are basically driven by tetrahedral tilting, the tetrahedra behaving as rigid-units. A change in the compressional mechanisms was observed at P ≤ 2 GPa. The P-induced structural rearrangement up to 8.5 GPa is completely reversible. The high thermo-elastic stability of CsAlSi₅O_12, the immobility of Cs at HT/HP-conditions, the preservation of crystallinity at least up to 8.5 GPa and 1,000°C in elastic regime and the extremely low leaching rate of Cs from CsAlSi₅O₁₂ allow to consider this open-framework silicate as functional material potentially usable for fixation and deposition of Cs radioisotopes.     

Campanian-Lower Paleogene gastropods from the Kharga Oasis,south Western Desert,Egypt

The Campanian-Lower Paleogene successions exposed at the Kharga Oasis contain well-preserved gastropods. Nineteen gastropod species are identified and described in detail. Two new species are established: Gisortia khargaensis from the lower Eocene El Rufuf Formation and Ornopsis? barisensis from the lower Paleocene Kurkur Formation. In addition to, Turritella (Torquesia) derbesi Coquand is recorded herein for the first time from Egypt. The studied gastropods belonging to four clades: Sorbeoconcha (Metacerithium abictiforme (Wanner), Mesalia hofana Mayer-Eymar, Mesalia sp., Turritella (Torquesia) derbesi Coquand, Turritella (Torquesia) forgemoli Coquand, Turritella kaserensis Hewaidy and Azab, Turritella sp.), Littorinimorpha (Cypraedia bullina Oppenheim, Gisortia khargaensis nov. sp., Natica farafrensis Wanner, Aporrhais schweinfurthi (Quaas), Drepanocheilus bicarinatus Abbass, Drepanocheilus? sp., Anchura? unicarinatus (Abbass), Epitonium sp.), Neogastropoda (Ornopsis? barisensis nov. sp., Rostellana daniensis (Quaas), Vouta sp.), and Heterobranchia (Avellana cretacea Quaas).     

Evolutionary lineage of the Maastrichtian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bolivinoides draco</Emphasis> group (benthic foraminifera) in Abu Zenima section,west central Sinai,Egypt

Three subspecies belong to middle-late Maastrichtian Bolivinoides draco group (B. draco aegyptiacus, B. d. draco, and B. d. dorreeni) are described of which one is new: Bolivinoides draco aegyptiacus from Abu Zenima section, west central Sinai, Egypt. This new subspecies differs from the other Bolivinoidid taxa in possessing well-developed two divergent medial longitudinal ribs along the smooth test surface, with another one rib in the central part between them. In this study, the early Maastrichtian B. miliaris is not related to this group. The other evolutionary trends are also distinguished and the paleogeographic distributions of Bolivinoides members in the Middle East are presented.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salpingoporella</Emphasis> (dasycladalean algae) species from the Lower Cretaceous carbonate facies of Kopet Dagh basin (NE Iran)

Salpingoporella species from algal bearing of Barremian-Aptian limestones in the Kopet Dagh basin (NE of Iran) are described. Different species (S. cemi, S. hasi, S. heraldica, S. hispanica, S. milovanovici, S. muehlmbergi, S. parapiriniae, S. piriniae, S. cf. biokovensis, S. steinhauseri, S. polygonalis) are investigated from different biometrical aspects such as depositional environments and biogeographical distribution as well as their systematic palaeontology from two formations (the Tirgan and Sarcheshmeh formations) in nine stratigraphic sections.     

Synthesis,TEM characterization and thermal behaviour of LiNiSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript> pyroxene

A pyroxene with composition LiNiSi₂O₆ was synthesized at T = 1,473 K and P = 2.0 GPa; the cell parameters at T = 298 K are a = 9.4169(6) Å, b = 8.4465(7) Å, c = 5.2464(3) Å, β = 110.534(6)°, V = 390.78(3) Å³. TEM examination of the LiNiSi₂O₆ pyroxene showed the presence of h + k odd reflections indicative of a primitive lattice, and of antiphase domains obtained by dark field imaging of the h + k odd reflections. A HT in situ investigation was performed by examining TEM selected area diffraction patterns collected at high temperature and synchrotron radiation powder diffraction. In HTTEM the LiNiSi₂O₆ was examined together with LiCrSi₂O₆ pyroxene. In LiCrSi₂O₆ the h + k odd critical reflections disappear at about 340 K; they are sharp up to the transition temperature and do not change their shape until they disappear. In LiNiSi₂O₆ the h + k odd reflections are present up to sample deterioration at 650 K. A high temperature synchrotron radiation powder diffraction investigation was performed on LiNiSi₂O₆ between 298 and 773 K. The analysis of critical reflections and of changes in cell parameters shows that the space group is P-centred up to the highest temperature. The comparative analysis of the thermal and spontaneous strain contributions in P2₁/c and C2/c pyroxenes indicates that the high temperature strain in P-LiNiSi₂O₆ is very similar to that due to thermal strain only in C2/c spodumene and that a spontaneous strain contribution related to pre-transition features is not apparent in LiNiSi₂O₆. A different high-temperature behaviour in LiNiSi₂O₆ with respect to other pyroxenes is suggested, possibly in relation with the presence of Jahn–Teller distortion of the M1 polyhedron centred by low-spin Ni³⁺.     

The Bloom-Forming Macroalgae, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva</Emphasis>, Outcompetes the Seagrass, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zostera marina</Emphasis>, Under High CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Conditions

While multiple species of macroalgae and seagrass can benefit from elevated CO₂ concentrations, competition between such organisms may influence their ultimate responses. This study reports on experiments performed with a Northwest Atlantic species of the macroalgae, Ulva, and the seagrass, Zostera marina, grown under ambient and elevated levels of pCO₂, and subjected to competition with each other. When grown individually, elevated pCO₂ significantly increased growth rates and productivity of Ulva and Zostera, respectively, beyond control treatments (by threefold and 27%, respectively). For both primary producers, significant declines in tissue δ¹³C signatures suggested that increased growth and productivity were associated with a shift from use of HCO₃^? toward CO₂ use. When grown under higher pCO₂, Zostera experienced significant increases in leaf and rhizome carbon content as well as significant increases in leaf carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, while sediments within which high CO₂ Zostera were grown had a significantly higher organic carbon content. When grown in the presence of Ulva; however, above- and below-ground productivity and tissue nitrogen content of Zostera were significantly lower, revealing an antagonistic interaction between elevated CO₂ and the presence of Ulva. The presence of Zostera had no significant effect on the growth of Ulva. Collectively, this study demonstrates that while Ulva and Zostera can each individually benefit from elevated pCO₂ levels, the ability of Ulva to grow more rapidly and inhibit seagrass productivity under elevated pCO₂, coupled with accumulation of organic C in sediments, may offset the potential benefits for Zostera within high CO₂ environments.     

Feeding Behavior of the Native Mussel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ischadium recurvum</Emphasis> and the Invasive Mussels <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mytella charruana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna viridis</Emphasis> in FL,USA, Across a Salinity Gradient

The feeding behavior of three species of mussels, the native Ischadium recurvum and the invasives Mytella charruana and Perna viridis, was studied in an invaded ecosystem in Florida (USA). In situ feeding experiments using the biodeposition method were performed along a salinity gradient in four different locations along the St. Johns River. Water characteristics, such as salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and seston loads, were recorded to identify relationships between these variables and the feeding behavior of the mussels. Feeding behavior of the species varied by study site. Clearance, filtration, organic ingestion, and absorption rates of I. recurvum were negatively affected by salinity. For the invasive mussel, M. charruana, rejection was positively related to salinity while total ingestion, organic ingestion, and absorption rates were positively related to the percentage of organic matter in the seston. For P. viridis, total and organic ingestion rates were negatively affected by salinity but positively affected by total particulate matter. Condition indices for P. viridis and M. charruana were 13.16?±?0.64 and 6.63?±?0.43, respectively, compared to 4.82?±?0.41 for the native species I. recurvum, indicating that these mussels are well adapted to the environmental conditions in the area. This study indicates that the three species have different preferred habitats because of their specific responses to water characteristics. Thus, the invasive mussels will not totally occupy the niche of the native mussel in Florida despite overlapping zones. These data may help identify potential invaded areas and understand the extent of the invasion.     

Compressibility of strontium orthophosphate Sr<Subscript>3</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> at high pressure

High pressure in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiment of strontium orthophosphate Sr₃(PO₄)₂ has been carried out to 20.0 GPa at room temperature using multianvil apparatus. Fitting a third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state to the P–V data yields a volume of V ₀ = 498.0 ± 0.1 Å³, an isothermal bulk modulus of K _T  = 89.5 ± 1.7 GPa, and first pressure derivative of K _T ′ = 6.57 ± 0.34. If K _T ′ is fixed at 4, K _T is obtained as 104.4 ± 1.2 GPa. Analysis of axial compressible modulus shows that the a-axis (K _a  = 79.6 ± 3.2 GPa) is more compressible than the c-axis (K _c  = 116.4 ± 4.3 GPa). Based on the high pressure Raman spectroscopic results, the mode Grüneisen parameters are determined and the average mode Grüneisen parameter of PO₄ vibrations of Sr₃(PO₄)₂ is calculated to be 0.30(2).     

Early Triassic palynomorphs from Kuraloi Block,Belphar area,Ib-River coalfield,Mahanadi basin,Odisha

A rich assemblage of palynomorphs including miospores and megaspores has been recorded from the bore core no. IBKAN-2 drilled at a depth of 17.80m in Kuraloi Block-A, south-west part of the Ib-River Coalfield, Jharsuguda district, Odisha. The miofloral assemblage recovered shows prominence of cingulate, zonate, taeniate, non-striate and non saccate palynotaxa which indicate an early Triassic age and is comparable with the palynoassemblages of the same age known from the Damodar basin, India. The megaspore assemblage includes eight genera and fifteen species namely, Banksisporites karanpuraensis, B. indicus, B. utkalensis, Banksisporites sp., Barakarella pantii, Barakarella sp., Biharisporites spinosus, Biharisporites sp., Erlansonisporites triassicus, Erlansonisporites cf. erlansonii, Erlansonisporites sp. Jhariatriletes sp., Singhisporites sp., Ramispinatispora sp. and Talchirella trivedii. Records of megaspores are sparse in the early Triassic of Gondwana basins of India. The present study records the first occurrence of miospores and megaspores from the early Triassic of Mahanadi basin besides substantiating the earlier data.     

Toxinogenicity and cytotoxicity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternaria,Aspergillus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium</Emphasis> moulds isolated from working environments

There is currently limited research available on the secondary metabolites of moulds in workplaces. The aim of this study was to determine the mould contamination in museums (N = 4), composting plants (N = 4) and tanneries (N = 4) and the secondary metabolite profiles of Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium isolates from these workplaces. Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium species were identified using the ITS1/2 sequence of the rDNA region. Mould metabolites were quantitatively analysed on standard laboratory medium and mineral medium containing materials specific to each workplace using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We also examined the cytotoxicity of the moulds using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Air microbiological contamination analyses showed a number of microorganisms, ranging from 2.4 × 10³ CFU m^?3 (composting plants) to 6.8 × 10⁴ CFU m^?3 (tanneries). We identified high percentages of Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium moulds (air 57–59%, surfaces 10–65%) in all workplaces. The following moulds were the most cytotoxic (>90%): Alternaria alternata, A. limoniasperae, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium biourgeianum, P. commune and P. spinulosum. The same mould species isolated from different working environments exhibited varying toxigenic and cytotoxic properties. Modifying the culture medium to simulate environmental conditions most often resulted in the inhibition of secondary metabolite production. Moulds isolated from the working environments produced the following mycotoxins (ng g^?1): chanoclavines (0.28–204), cyclopiazonic acid (27.1–1045), fumigaclavines (0.33–10,640,000), meleagrin (0.57–13,393), roquefortins (0.01–16,660), rugulovasines (112–220), viridicatin (0.12–957), viridicatol (4.23–2753) and quinocitrinines (0.07–1104), which may have a negative impact on human health.     

A new Jurassic cow shark (Chondrichthyes,Hexanchiformes) with comments on Jurassic hexanchiform systematics

A new taxon, ?Crassodontidanus gen. nov. of Hexanchiformes (cow sharks) from the Jurassic of Germany is described. It is characterized by peculiar teeth combining apomorphic (serrated mesial cutting edge of the main cusp) and plesiomorphic features (deep root with convex mesial and distal margins in labial and lingual views; protruding lingual root bulge). This character combination readily distinguishes members of the new taxon from all other known extant (Heptranchias, Hexanchus, Notorynchus) and extinct (?Gladioserratus, ?Notidanodon, ?Notidanoides, ?Pachyhexanchus, ?Paraheptranchias, ?Weltonia) hexanchiforms. Currently, two species, ?C. serratus (type species; Late Jurassic, Late Kimmeridgian of Nusplingen, South Germany) and ?C. wiedenrothi (Early Jurassic, Early Pliensbachian of Gretenberg (Hanover), North Germany) are assigned to this taxon. ?Crassodontidanus gen. nov. is member of ?Crassonotidae fam. nov. and sister to ?Notidanoides Maisey, 1986 and ?Pachyhexanchus Cappetta, 1990. We consider ?Notidanus amalthei Oppel, 1854 from the Pliensbachian of South Germany, ?Notidanus insignis Seguenza, 1887 from the Oxfordian of Sicily (Italy) and ?Notidanus wagneri Agassiz, 1843 from the Early Tithonian of Solnhofen (South Germany) nomina dubia and nomina nuda, respectively. The family ?Crassonotidae comprises plesiomorphic hexanchiforms ranging from the Sinemurian (Early Jurassic) to the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous).