A fossil rhombosoleid flounder (Pleuronectiformes) from the Late Pliocene of Te Pohue, eastern North Island, New Zealand

Abstract

A fossil skeleton of a rhombosoleid flounder is described for the first time. It was discovered in shallow marine-deposited strata of the Titiokura Formation (Waipipian Stage) from Te Pohue in western Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand. Anatomical comparison with extant flatfishes present in New Zealand waters suggests this fossil can be considered as a representative of Pelotretis flavilatus, the endemic New Zealand lemon sole. This species occurs today in shallow coastal waters around New Zealand to depths of 100 m, in habitats consistent with palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of the Te Pohue area during the Late Pliocene. © 2012 The Royal Society of New Zealand.