Eocene Bryozoan Assemblages of the St Vincent Basin, South Australia

The first stratigraphically detailed taxonomic study of Eocene Bryozoa in the St Vincent Basin has revealed a faunas ranging from very high abundance and diversity to almost monotypic assemblages. Some formations contain over 200 species of cheilostomes and over 50 species of cyclostomes: This is more diverse than all other macrofauna present combined. The Phidoloporidae are the most diverse and ubiquitous group with over 20 species, at a geological time which is close to their estimated origination. The Cellariidae constitute over 15 species and form distinct biofacies. Lunulitiform growth form is displayed by the disparate families Otionellidae, Caltoporidae, Lepraiiellidae and Didymosellidae. Biogeographical comparisons exhibit distinct differences with the published (mainly Oligo-Miocene) fossil bryozoan faunas of Victoria, but similarities with the. Eocene of Antarctica, New Zealand and even central Europe.