A new thecideid genus and species (Brachiopoda, Recent) from submarine caves of Osprey Reef (Queensland Plateau, Coral Sea, Australia)

Abstract

A new thecideid brachiopod genus, Ospreyella Lüter and Wörheide gen. n., with the type species Ospreyella depressa Lüter sp. n., is described from Osprey Reef, Coral Sea, Australia. The morphology of the inner sculpture of the dorsal valve and the manner of larval brooding in a single, ventrally situated brood pouch shows that Ospreyella belongs to the family Lacazellinae within thecideid brachiopods. It is the first member of this family described from the Pacific Ocean. Similarities to the related genera Lacazella and Pajaudina as well as differences to the genus Thecidellina are discussed.