Sea bass fish Morone sp. (Teleostei) from the north Bohemian Palaeogene (Tertiary, Czech Republic)

Abstract

The taxonomic position of sea bass fishes of the family Moronidae from Upper Eocene (Palaeogene) diatomite deposits of Kučlín near Bílina, Czech Republic, is discussed. Although the fossil skeletons are incomplete, Morone sp. is characterised by skull elements, fin formula, caudal skeleton and specific ctenoid scales. The morphology of certain skull elements typifies the family. Data on moronid fishes from the northern Bohemian Palaeogene is reviewed.