Rugose Corals

May, A. (2021): Fossils explained 79: Rugose corals. - Geology Today, vol. 37 (1): p. 31-38; Hoboken, NJ.

Abstract: Rugose corals are an extinct group of marine animals that are frequently found in Palaeozoic shallow marine sediments. Just like their counterparts the stony corals (the Scleractinia) do today, during the Palaeozoic the ru gose corals were important constructors of reefs. Although at first glance rugose corals look very similar to the Scleractinia, they differ in important details. The rugose corals are a very special group whose relationships have been disputed for a long time. They were restricted to the Palaeozoic Era and experienced an exciting evolutionary history of victories and defeats; there were times when they built up huge reefs (and were valuable in stratigraphy), and other times when they suffered through extinction events.

The literature references of MayLib from the year 2000 to the year 2015 presented as a CSV file. This CSV file can be read by EXCEL, for example.

For more details see following publication, which can be read and downloaded below:

MAY A. (2015).- MayLib - a textfile-based bibliographic database for geosciences and a list of references on Devonian matters.- Carnets Géol., Madrid, vol. 15, nº 6, p. 59-62. Abstract: Scientists need to manage their own collections of bibliographic data as well as exchange these data easily with colleagues. One solution for this need is MayLib, a bibliographic database that runs on many different operating systems and does not require pre-installation of any software. MayLib is a very small, efficient and comprehensive JAVA program that handles references to publications in any Unicode-compatible language. It is user-friendly and not only contains the basic functions of a bibliographic database, but also has some advanced features. Using MayLib the author has been able to create a list of references, which contains 500 periodicals and 4206 literature references. Of these 4206 references 3191 deal with Devonian matters and 1594 references deal with corals. Key Words: Java, bibliographic database, Devonian, corals, fossils.

The literature references of MayLib from the year 1816 to the year 2000 presented as a CSV file. This CSV file can be read by EXCEL, for example.

For more details see following publication, which can be read and downloaded below:

MAY A. (2015).- MayLib - a textfile-based bibliographic database for geosciences and a list of references on Devonian matters.- Carnets Géol., Madrid, vol. 15, nº 6, p. 59-62. Abstract: Scientists need to manage their own collections of bibliographic data as well as exchange these data easily with colleagues. One solution for this need is MayLib, a bibliographic database that runs on many different operating systems and does not require pre-installation of any software. MayLib is a very small, efficient and comprehensive JAVA program that handles references to publications in any Unicode-compatible language. It is user-friendly and not only contains the basic functions of a bibliographic database, but also has some advanced features. Using MayLib the author has been able to create a list of references, which contains 500 periodicals and 4206 literature references. Of these 4206 references 3191 deal with Devonian matters and 1594 references deal with corals.

Key Words: Java, bibliographic database, Devonian, corals, fossils.

Becker, R. T. & Aboussalam, Z. S. & Stichling, S. & May, A., & Eichholt, S. (2016): The Givetian-Frasnian Hönne Valley Reef Complex (northern Sauerland) – an outline of stratigraphy and facies development. In: Becker, R. T., Hartenfels, S., Königshof, P., & Helling, S. (eds): Middle Devonian to Lower Carboniferous stratigraphy, facies, and bioevents in the Rhenish Massif, Germany - an IGCP 596 Guidebook. - Münstersche Forschungen zur Geologie und Paläontologie, vol. 108: p. 126-140, 20 figs.; Münster.

ABSTRACT: The northern margin of the 1st order Remscheid-Altena Anticline (northern Sauerland) is characterized between Hagen in the W and Balve in the ESE by an elongated, thick Givetian reef complex, the Hagen-Balve Reef, which can be divided into partial reefs. In the roughly N-S running Hönne Valley, between Oberrödinghausen and Eisborn (see huge Asbeck quarry), it reaches its maximum thickness of almost 1000 m.
This paper gives data on localities showing:
- initial reef stadium abruptly overlying the lower Givetian Upper Honsel Formation
- first coral biostrome (Hönne forest track)
- fossiliferous platform facies with Stringocephalus banks and intercalating tuff (Emil Quarry)
- overview of thick, cyclic main reef (Asbeck)
- first reef drowning in the course of the global Frasnes Events (Beul)
- final middle Frasnian reef extinction (Beul)

May, A. (2008): Corals (Anthozoa, Tabulata and Rugosa) and chaetetids (Porifera) from the Devonian of the Semara area (Morocco) at the Museo Geominero (Madrid, Spain), and their biogeographic significance. - Bulletin de l’Institut Scientifique, Rabat, section Sciences de la Terre, 30: 1-12, pl. 1-2; Rabat.

Abstract. The paper describes the three tabulate coral species Caliapora robusta (Pradáčová, 1938), Pachyfavosites tumulosus Janet, 1965 and Thamnopora major (Radugin, 1938), the rugose coral Phillipsastrea ex gr. irregularis (Webster & Fenton in Fenton & Fenton, 1924) and the chaetetid Rhaphidopora crinalis (Schlüter, 1880). The specimens are described for the first time from Givetian and probably Frasnian strata of Semara area (Morocco, former Spanish Sahara). The material is stored in the Museo Geominero in Madrid. The tabulate corals and the chaetetid demonstrate close biogeographic relationships to Central and Eastern Europe as well as to Western Siberia. Thefauna does not show any special influence of the Eastern Americas Realm. 

Key words: Anthozoa, biogeography, Devonian, tabulate corals, Morocco, West Sahara palaeogeographic province  Coraux (Anthozoa, Tabulata et Rugosa) et chaetétides (Porifera) du Dévonien de la région de Smara (Maroc) déposés au Museo  Geominero (Madrid) et leur signification biogéographique.  Résumé. L´article décrit trois espèces de coraux tabulés : Caliapora robusta (Pradáčová, 1938), Pachyfavosites tumulosus Janet, 1965, et Thamnopora major (Radugin, 1938), le corail rugueux Phillipsastrea ex gr. irregularis (Webster & Fenton in Fenton & Fenton, 1924)  ainsi que le chaetétide Rhaphidopora crinalis (Schlüter, 1880). Les spécimens, entreposés au Museo Geominero de Madrid, proviennent  des couches givétiennes et probablement frasniennes de différents gisements de la région de Smara (Maroc, ancien Sahara espagnol), d’où  elles sont décrites pour la première fois. Les coraux tabulés et le chaetétide prouvent l’existence de relations biogéographiques proches  entre l´Europe centrale et orientale mais aussi avec l’Ouest de la Sibérie. La faune ne présente pas de relations particulières avec celle du  Domaine Est-Américain. 

Mots clés: Anthozoa, biogéographie, Dévonien, coraux tabulés, Maroc, Province paléogéographique du Sahara Occidental

After the late Frasnian extinctions, the rugose corals slowly recovered during the Lower and Middle Famennian (crepida
to marginifera conodont zones) in southern Belgium and northern France (Avesnois) (Namur–Dinant Basin). Six genera represented by seven species are recognized and described here; one species (Breviphrentis superstes) is new. The rugose coral fauna described herein includes small solitary forms belonging to the so-called Cyathaxonia fauna and is similar or very close to those previously described within the same stratigraphic interval in Australia, China and Germany. It also contains a large species belonging to the genus Breviphrentis
which was considered as extinct since the end of the Givetian (Middle Devonian) (“Lazarus taxon”). The tabulate corals from the Lower and Middle Famennian of this area, mainly represented by auloporids, are also briefly discussed. Rugosa only constituted a minor part of the fauna after the end-Frasnian crisis in the Namur–Dinant Basin contrary to the brachiopods, which were abundant and relatively diversified, and no rugose corals have been recovered from the early Lower Famennian (triangularis Zone). The first important Famennian coral radiation only took place during the Latest Famennian (Strunian).

May, A. (2006b): Radiastraea (Anthozoa, Rugosa) from the Emsian and Eifelian (Devonian) of Aviados, northern Spain. - Bulletin of Geosciences, 81 (3): 151-162, 2 figs.; Prague (Czech Geological Survey).

This paper describes a colonial rugose coral from the upper Emsian or lower Eifelian of Aviados (Provincia León, northern  Spain). This colony, which has been figured as Phillipsastrea torreana (Milne-Edwards & Haime, 1851) by Almela  & Revilla (1950), belongs in fact to Radiastraea arachne Stumm, 1937. It is the first reported occurrence of the genus  Radiastraea from Europe, and an example of close palaeobiogeographical relationships between the Cantabrian Mountains  and North America during the Emsian. Cantabriastraea Schröder&Soto, 2003 is probably only a marginal case of  Radiastraea Stumm, 1937. The lectotype of Phillipsastrea torreana var. minuta Almela & Revilla, 1950 from the upper  Emsian to lower Eifelian or upper Givetian of Aviados (Provincia León, northern Spain) is designated and described in  detail. It is a subspecies of Phillipsastrea torreana (Milne-Edwards & Haime, 1851) with 10–12 major septa and a  tabularium diameter of 1.9–2.1 mm.

Key words: Anthozoa, biogeography, Devonian, systematics, rugose corals,  Spain.

May, A., & Marks, S. (2013): Eine Korallen-Fauna aus der Oberhonsel-Formation (Givetium, Devon) von Garbeck (West-Sauerland). - Dortmunder Beiträge zur Landeskunde, Naturwissenschaftliche Mitteilungen, 45: 69–80, 3 figs.; Dortmund.

Abstract Within the shales and siltstones of the Oberhonsel Formation near Garbeck (northwestern Sauerland) coral bearing limestones of Lower Givetian (Middle  Devonian) age are cropping out. The rugose coral Disphyllum (Disphyllum) caespitosum (Goldfuss 1826) as well as the tabulate corals Thamnopora ex gr. cervicornis (Blainville 1830), Alveolites (Alveolites) ex gr. suborbicularis Lamarck 1801 and Aulopora (Aulopora) ex gr. liber Scrutton 1990 could be identified. These limestones are the initial stages of coral meadows. The Disphyllum colonies and the Thamnopora branches acted as baffler, whereas Aulopora (Aulopora) ex gr. liber and the Alveolites colonies bound the sediment.

Zusammenfassung: In der Oberhonsel-Formation von Garbeck wurden Korallenkalke gefunden, die sich in das Unter-Givetium (Mittel-Devon) einstufen lassen. Es wurden die rugose Koralle Disphyllum (Disphyllum) caespitosum (Goldfuss 1826) und die tabulaten Korallen Thamnopora ex gr. cervicornis (Blainville 1830), Alveolites (Alveolites) ex gr. suborbicularis Lamarck 1801 und Aulopora (Aulopora) ex gr. liber Scrutton 1990 identifiziert. Es handelt sich um Initialstadien von Korallenrasen, in denen die Disphyllum-Kolonien und die Thamnopora-Äste das Sediment fingen, während Aulopora (Aulopora) ex gr. liber und die Alveolites-Kolonien das Sediment banden.

May, A. (1994k): Fossilien aus dem Schwelmer Kalk: IV. Stromatoporen und Korallen. - Beiträge zur Heimatkunde der Stadt Schwelm und ihrer Umgebung, vol. N.F. 44: p. 9-16, 10 figs.; Schwelm (Verein für Heimatkunde).

Der folgende Artikel stellt den vierten Beitrag einer Reihe über Fossilien der klassischen Fossilfundstelle Schwelm aus der Sammlung Zimmermann dar. Nachdem bisher die Brachiopoden, die Schnecken und die Muschel Megalodon vorgestellt wurden, sollen nun die Stromatoporen und Korallen besprochen werden. Die Stromatoporen und Korallen sind eigentlich die wichtigsten Fossilien, da sie als riffbildende Organismen erst den Lebensraum aufbauten, den die anderen Tiere benötigten.

May, A., & Pohler, S.M.L. (2009): Corales y estromatopóridos de Devónico Inferior de los Alpes Cárnicos. - In: Palmqvist, P., & Pérez-Claros,  J.A. (coords.): Comunicaciones de las XXV Jornadas de la Sociedad Española de Paleontología “Darwin, la Teoría de la Evolución y la Paleontología” y simposios de los proyectos PICG 493, 499 y 506. Libro de Resúmenes: 287-290, 1 figs.; Málaga (Universidad de Málaga).

Aunque en el Devónico Medio los arrecifes tenían una amplia distribución (casi mundial),  durante el Praguiense (Devónico Inferior), los arrecifes fueron escasos. En la formación  “Calizas de Hohe Warte” en el Macizo de Seewarte y Hohe Warte en los Alpes Cárnicos  (Hubmann et al., 2003), en la frontera entre Austria e Italia está represenatado uno de estos  pocos arrecifes praguienses.  Se estudia la formación “Calizas de Hohe Warte” en los afloramientos situados en la base  del acantilado de la Seewarte. Esta formación representa al Praguiense y una parte del  Emsiense inferior (Hubmann et al., 2003). La secuencia empieza con calizas de crinoideos,  sobre ellas se desarrollan estructuras arrecifales, especialmente en la parte superior se  observan arrecifes parches bien desarrollados. Los bioconstructores son estromatopóridos,  corales tabulados, corales rugosos y Fistulella undosa Shuysky, que se interpreta como un  hidrozoo problemático. La facies de las “Calizas de Hohe Warte” ha sido descrita por Pohler  et al. (2007). A continuación, se proporciona una lista con los fósiles identificados en las  láminas delgadas:  Corales tabulados:  Heliolites aff. werneri Oekentorp & Brühl, 1999  Helioplasma aff. aliena Galle, 1973  Favosites styriacus Penecke, 1894  Platyaxum (Roseoporella) altechedatense (Dubatolov, 1959)  Scoliopora (Protoscoliopora) puberulus (Janet in Dubatolov et al., 1968) (muy frecuente)  Coenites falsus Dubatolov, 1963  Aulopora (Mastopora) sp.  Corales rugosos:  Fasciphyllum sp.  Stauromatidium aff. marylandicum (Swartz, 1913)  Cystimorpha indet.  Estromatopóridos:  Actinostroma? ex gr. clathratum Nicholson, 1886 ?  Plectostroma latens (Počta, 1894) (muy frecuente)  Schistodictyon? sp.  Estromatopóridos indet.  Microproblematica:  Fistulella undosa Shuysky, 1973 (muy frecuente)  Renalcis granosus Vologdin, 1932  Distribuciones geográficas y estratigráficas citadas en la literatura  Heliolites werneri Oekentorp & Brühl, 1999 se conocía hasta ahora solamente del  Eifeliense inferior de las montañas del Eifel (Alemania).  Helioplasma aliena Galle, 1973 se conocía hasta ahora solamente del Eifeliense de  Koneprusy en Bohemia. Pero Helioplasma kolihai Kettnerová, 1933, una especie  estrechamente relacionada, se conoce en el Praguiense de Koneprusy.  Favosites styriacus Penecke, 1894 se conoce del Emsiense y Eifeliense de Austria, del  Emsiense de Francia y Asturias y del Praguiense de Vietnam.  Platyaxum (Roseoporella) altechedatense (Dubatolov, 1959) se conocía hasta ahora  solamente del Givetiense dudoso del oeste de Siberia.  Scoliopora (Protoscoliopora) puberulus (Janet in Dubatolov et al., 1968) se conocía hasta  ahora solamente de una parte superior del Devónico Inferior de los Urales. Pero Scoliopora  (Protoscoliopora) franciscae Hladil, 1989, una especie estrechamente relacionada, se conoce  en el Praguiense de Koneprusy.  Coenites falsus Dubatolov, 1963 se conocía hasta ahora solamente de una parte inferior del  Devónico Inferior del oeste de Siberia.  Stauromatidium marylandicum (Swartz, 1913), excepto un hallazgo en Asia (Uzbekistán)  este género se conocía hasta ahora solamente en el Lochkoviense de América del Norte,  (Pedder & Oliver, 1982), donde se registra en ambos grandes dominios paleobiogeográficos,  el “Eastern Americas Realm” y el “Old World Realm”.    Actinostroma clathratum Nicholson, 1886 está presente en muchas localidades en Europa,  Asia, África del Norte, Australia y Canadá desde el Emsiense hasta el Frasniense. Habiendo  sido descritos los más antiguos del Praguiense de Koneprusy en Bohemia por May (2005).  Plectostroma latens (Pocta, 1894) se conocía hasta ahora solamente del Praguiense de  Koneprusy en Bohemia donde es uno de los estromatopóridos más comunes (May, 2005).

May, A., & Becker, R. T. (1996): Ein Korallen-Horizont im Unteren Bänderschiefer (höchstes Mittel-Devon) von Hohenlimburg-Elsey im Nordsauerland (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge). - Berliner geowissenschaftliche Abhandlungen, E 18: 209-241, 1 figs., 2 tabs., pl. 1-3; Berlin.

Abstract: Basinal shales of the Lower Bänderschiefer Formation (Upper Givetian, Pharciceras Stufe) yielded for the first time in Hohenlimburg-Elsey (City of Hagen, northern Rhenish Massiv) an allochthonous shallow-water fauna dominated by corals. Among a total of twenty-four taxa the solitary Rugosa Acanthophyllum concavum simplex and Macgeea multizonata as well as the branching tabulates Alveolites (Alveolitella) polenowi and Scoliopora denticulata are abundant. Other Rugosa, Tabulata, stromatoporoids, brachiopods, crinoid ossicles and nautiloids occur as minor faunal elements. M. multizonata, A. (Alv.) polenowi and "Chaetetes" barrandei are recorded for the first time from Germany. The unusual local lack of coarse crinoidal reef debris suggests as source a subtidal coral garden which grew marginally on top of the drowned Steltenberg Reef from where individual specimens were washed downslope during storm events. The fauna combines Upper Givetian and Lower Frasnian species and contributes to the understanding of coral biostratigraphy at the Middle/Upper Devonian transition.

Schlüsselwörter: Korallen, Rugosa, Tabulata, Mittel-Devon, Rheinisches Schiefergebirge, Biostratigraphie, Nachriff-Fazies.

Zusammenfassung: Beckensedimente der basalen Unteren Bänderschiefer (oberes Givetium, Pharciceras-Stufe) lieferten erstmalig in Hohenlimburg-Elsey (Stadt Hagen, Nordsauerland) eine allochthone, durch Korallen dominierte Flachwasser-Fauna. Unter den 24 nachgewiesenen Taxa sind die solitären Rugosa Acanthophyllum concavum simplex und Macgeea multizonata sowie die ästigen Tabulaten Alveolites (Alveolitella) polenowi und Scoliopora denticulata häufig. Andere Rugosa, Tabulata, Stromatoporen, Brachiopoden, Crinoidenreste und Nautiloideen kommen akzessorisch vor. Bei M. multizonata, A. (Alv.) polenowi und "Chaetetes" barrandei handelt es sich um Neunachweise für Deutschland. Das Zurücktreten von grobem Crinoiden-Riffschutt läßt lokal auf die Entwicklung eines subtidalen Korallenrasens schließen, der marginal auf dem naheliegenden, abgesunkenen Steltenberg-Riff wuchs. Die Rugosenfauna vereinigt Faunenelemente des hohen Givetiums und unteren Frasniums und trägt zur Präzisierung der Korallen-Stratigraphie im Mittel-/Ober-Devon-Grenzbereich bei.

May, A. (1996a): Relationship among sea-level fluctuation, biogeography, and bioevents of the Devonian: an attempt to approach a powerful, but simple model for complex long-range control of biotic crises. - Geolines, 3: 38-49, 2 figs.; Praha.

ABSTRACT. Connections among changing sea-level, development of marine biogeography and appearance of bioevents in Devonian times are emphasised. Decreasing Devonian provincialism of the marine fauna reflects rising sea-level of global ocean. Whereas the Emsian sea-level lowstand was accompanied by strong provincialism of the marine communities, the Frasnian highstands were linked to an unusual decrease of provincialism. As generally documented, the partial but intensive transgressional events (often related to bioevents) were usually associated with a decrease of the provincialism. The best explanation for the majority of Devonian bioevents is the effect of oceanic anoxia. A model suggested herein operates with a fast transgression related to fast ocean sea-level rise. A direct consequence of this fast transgression was the increased primary biomass production (caused by both increased infiux of nutrients and increased total surface of shallow seas). Decreased oxygen supply of oceans continued this process being caused by the global temperature increase which resulted from the albedo decrease. These consequences of these combined factors produced an oceanic anoxic event which started the extinction processes of the bioevent. The well-documented pattern of intensified biological crises during the Devonian, time-slice by time-slice (from Emsian to Frasnian), is explained as a direct result of decreased provincialism of the marine fauna. Both decrease of the provincialism and increased intensity of the Devonian bioevents can be deduced directly or indirectly from changes of global sea-level. This simply constructed but very complex explanation yields two advantages: first, it needs only very few infiuencing factors, second, it can basically renounce incalculable influences (e.g. meteorite impacts). The suggested concept of oceanic anoxic events can explain also other major bioevents of the Earth history.

KURZFASSUNG: Der Artikel versucht, Zusammenhänge zwischen den Veränderungen des Meeresspiegels, der Entwicklung der marinen Biogeographie und den Bioevents im Devon herauszuarbeiten und zu erklären. Die Entwicklung des Faunen-Provinzialismus im Devon ist ein Ergebnis der Entwicklung des globalen Meeresspiegels. Im Emsium war der Meeresspiegel niedrig und der Provinzialismus der Meeresfauna gross, im Frasnium war der Meeresspiegel hoch und der Provinzialismus sehr gering. Insbesondere einige Trangressions-Schübe, die sich auch als Bioevents bemerkbar machten, führten zu schnellen Abnahmen der Grösse des Provinzialismus. Die beste Erklärung für die meisten devonischen Bioevents ist das Auftreten von ozeanischen anoxischen Events. Das hier vorgestellte Modell setzt bei schnellen Transgressionen an, die durch schnelle Meeresspiegel-Anstiege verursacht wurden. Die Konsequenzen einer schnellen Transgression waren gesteigerte Primär produktion organischer Substanz und geringere Sauerstoff- Versorgung der Ozeane, was zusammen zum ozeanischen anoxischen Event und zum Bioevent führte. Der Umstand, dass die Intensität der Bioevents vom Emsium zum Frasnium zunahm, wird durch die Abnahme des Provinzialismus der Meeresfauna in dieser Zeit erklärt. Sowohl die Entwicklung des Provinzialismus der marinen Fauna als auch das Auftreten und die Intensität der Bioevents im Devon lassen sich direkt oder mittelbar aus der Entwicklung des globalen Meeresspiegels ableiten. Dieser sehr umfassende Erklärungsansatz hat den Vorteil, mit sehr wenigen Einfiussfaktoren auszukommen und auf unkalkulierbare Einwirkungen (wie z.B. Meteoriten-Einschläge) völlig verzichten zu können. Vermutlich ist das hier entwickelte Konzept eines ozeanischen anoxischen Events auch auf andere Bioevents übertragbar.

KEYWORDS: Devonian, Kellwasser Event, ecosystems, biogeography, sea level fiuctuation.

May, A. & Pohler, S.M.L. (2009): Corales y estromatopóridos de Devónico Inferior de los Alpes Cárnicos. In: Palmqvist, P., & Pérez-Claros, J.A. (coords.): Comunicaciones de las XXV Jornadas de la Sociedad Española de Paleontología “Darwin, la Teoría de la Evolución y la Paleontología” y simposios de los proyectos PICG 493, 499 y 506. Libro de Resúmenes. - 287-290; Málaga (Universidad de Málaga). Aunque en el Devónico Medio los arrecifes tenían una amplia distribución (casi mundial), durante el Praguiense (Devónico Inferior), los arrecifes fueron escasos. En la formación “Calizas de Hohe Warte” en el Macizo de Seewarte y Hohe Warte en los Alpes Cárnicos (Hubmann et al., 2003), en la frontera entre Austria e Italia está represenatado uno de estos pocos arrecifes praguienses. Se estudia la formación “Calizas de Hohe Warte” en los afloramientos situados en la base del acantilado de la Seewarte. Esta formación representa al Praguiense y una parte del Emsiense inferior (Hubmann et al., 20...

Pohler, S.M.L., & May, A., & Schönlaub, H.-P. (2007): Pragian-Emsian Crinoidal Sand Banks and Stromatoporoid-Hydrozoan Buildups, Carnic Alps, Austria. - In: Vennin, E., & Aretz, M., & Boulvain, F. & Munnecke, A. (eds.):  Facies from Palaeozoic reefs and bioaccumulations,Mémoires du Musée d´histoire  Naturelle de Paris, 198: 175-177, 2-9 figs.; Paris.

LOCALITY. — Pragian/Emsian subtropical shelf edge, Carnic Alps Platform, adjacent to northern margin of Gondwana  (Schönlaub 1992).  STRATIGRAPHY. — Hohe Warte Limestone is a formation of the southern shallow water facies preserved in the  Kellerwand Nappe of the Central Carnic Alps (Kreutzer 1990, 1992a, b). Hohe Warte Limestone is 350 m thick and  preceded by Lochkovian crinoid limestone (neritic Rauchkofel Limestone) and succeeded by Seewarte Limestone (early  Emsian?), a lagoonal facies with Hercynella (Fig. 2). Crinoidal sand mounds occur in the lower part of the section and  are characterized by coarse carbonate sand with partially preserved crinoids surrounded by finer-grained crinoidal sand.  Stromatoporoid-hydrozoan buildups occur in the upper part of the section and form patchily distributed bioherms  of unknown thickness and extent surrounded by crinoidal debris (Bandel 1969).  FACIES AND MICROFACIES (Figs 2-9). — Above a crinoidal sand substrate (neritic Rauchkofel Limestone), the first  crinoidal bank facies progrades basinward in the Late Lochkovian to Early Pragian. Facies consists of crinoidal rudstone  with spar-filled open space structures and large crossections of crinoid calyces (Fig. 3). The amount of early marine  cements lining open space structures suggests that a framework existed which provided attachment sites for crinoids  (Figs 4, 5). Higher up in the section framestones with tabulate and rugose corals, stromatoporoids and hydrozoans  become abundant. They are accompanied by crinoidal grainstones with numerous calcareous algae. 

BIODIVERSITY AND TAPHONOMY. — Heritsch (1943) listed 4 species of crinoids which were found in boulders at the  base of Mount Seewarte: Cyathocrinus carnicus Charlesworth, Megistocrinus devonicus Charlesw., Melocrinus prostellaris  Frech, and Rhipidocrinus praecursor Frech. The large cross-section (Fig. 3) maybe Pernerocrinus, a common Lower  Devonian crinoid that also occurs in the Pragian Koneprusy reefs (J. Dzik, written comm., 2005). The floating bulbs  (loboliths) are very common in Silurian/Lochkovian boundary interval beds in the deeper water successions. The  good preservation of the crinoids indicates that they were deposited close to their area of origin. Crinoids produced  the large amounts of carbonate sand encountered in the lower Hohe Warte Limestone.  Stromatoporoids, tabulate and rugose corals and hydrozoans are the dominant reef builders in the upper Hohe  Warte Limestone. Plectostroma latens (Počta) (Fig. 6) is the most common stromatoporoid in the Hohe Warte together  with Actinostroma? Ex gr. clathratum Nicholson, both were previously described from Koneprusy (May 2002).  Schistodictyon? sp. is also present. The problematic hydrozoan Fistulella undosa Shuysky is very common and acts as  binder and encruster in the reef community (Figs 7, 8). Among the tabulate corals the ramose Scoliopora (Protoscoliopora)  puberulus (Janet) represents a baffling reef dweller (Fig. 4). Heliolitids are present with Heliolites aff. werneri Oekentorp  & Brühl, and Helioplasma aff. aliena Galle and favositids are represented by Favosites styriacus Penecke. All three form  small bulbous colonies. Two small encrusting species occur: Platyaxum (Roseoporella) altechedatense (Dubatolov) and  Aulopora (Mastopora) sp. They are accompanied by a small ramose form Coenites falsus Dubatolov. Two significant  species of rugose corals were identified, Stauromatidium aff. marylandicum (Swartz) and Fasciphyllum sp. Important  accessory reef biota are algae (Fig. 9), brachiopods, trilobites, gastropods and bivalves. 

DISCUSSION. — The crinoidal sand banks probably formed at a site of the shelf or ramp where shallowing resulted  in accumulation of sand bars that became quickly lithified. Storm events caused rip-up of partially lithified sandaggregates  that was piled up as rubble banks (much like present day ‘motus’) with large open space structures.  Subsequent cementation resulted in formation of elevated structures that provided holdfasts for crinoids and other  marine organisms (brachiopods, algae). The crinoid facies becomes progressively enriched with stromatoporoids and  corals, which probably formed patch reefs on a well-aerated high-energy subtidal shelf. The large amount of calcareous  algae seen in the thin sections are in contrast to the Koneprusy Limestone (CZ), which is time-equivalent to the Hohe  Warte Limestone but more reefal in character.

PRAGIAN-EMSIAN CRINOIDAL SAND BANKS AND STROMATOPOROID-HYDROZOAN BUILDUPS, CARNIC ALPS, AUSTRIA LOCALITY. — Pragian/Emsian subtropical shelf edge, Carnic Alps Platform, adjacent to northern margin of Gondwana (Schönlaub 1992). STRATIGRAPHY. — Hohe Warte Limestone is a formation of the southern shallow water facies preserved in the Kellerwand Nappe of the Central Carnic Alps (Kreutzer 1990, 1992a, b). Hohe Warte Limestone is 350 m thick and preceded by Lochkovian crinoid limestone (neritic Rauchkofel Limestone) and succeeded by Seewarte Limestone (early Emsian?), a lagoonal facies with Hercynella (Fig. 2). Crinoidal sand mounds occur in the lower part of the section and are characterized by coarse carbonate sand with partially preserved crinoids surrounded by finer-grained crinoidal sand. Stromatoporoid-hydrozoan buildups occur in the upper part of the section and form patchily distributed bioherms of unknown thickness and extent surrounded by crinoidal debris (Bandel 1969). FACIES A...

Ernst, A., & May, A., & Marks, S. (2012): Bryozoans, corals, and microfacies of Lower Eifelian (Middle Devonian) limestones at Kierspe, Germany. - Facies, 58: 727-758, 11 figs., 8 tabs.; Erlangen.

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10347-011-0289-6 ---  Abstract The Lower Eifelian Meinerzhagener Korallenkalk  (= upper Cultrijugatus Beds) at Kierspe, Sauerland,  contains a rich reefal fauna. Eight bryozoan species are  described, two of them are new: the cystoporate Fistuliporella  kierspensis n. sp. and the trepostome Leptotrypella sophiae n.  sp. The bryozoans from the Meinerzhagener Korallenkalk shows distinct similarities to the Lower–Middle Devonian of  Spain (Santa Lucía Formation, Emsian–Eifelian), and to the  Middle Devonian (Eifelian) of Transcaucasia. The coral fauna comprises five tabulate corals and one rugose coral that document a paleobiogeographic relationship between Central  and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The associated fauna is  represented by brachiopods, ostracods, and echinoderms. The  studied limestones also commonly contain calcimicrobes  represented by three species. The faunal and microfacial  characteristics indicate a shallow marine depositional environment  just above the storm wave base, with a supposed  depth of 20 m, within the photic zone. The nutrient regimewas  at least a mesotrophic. The upper boundary of the Cultrijugatus  Beds coincides with the Chotecˇ-Event that strongly  affected brachiopods, whereas corals and bryozoans were  insensitive to this event. 

Keywords:  Middle Devonian  Germany  Microfacies   Bryozoa  Corals  Brachiopods  Calcimicrobes   Taxonomy  Paleoecology  Paleobiogeography

May, A., & Rodríguez, S. (2012): Pragian (Lower Devonian) stromatoporoids and rugose corals from Zújar (Sierra Morena, southern Spain). - Geologica Belgica, 15/4: 226-235, 2 figs., pl. 1-3; Bruxelles.

ABSTRACT. The locality Zújar at the boundary between the Badajoz and Córdoba provinces belongs to the Obejo-Valsequillo-Puebla  de la Reina Domain. Within the fossiliferous reefal carbonates of Pragian age cropping out in Zújar, 10 stromatoporoid species and 7  rugose coral species are identified. The new rugose coral species Martinophyllum miriamae n. sp. is described. Hexagonaria soraufi  Rodríguez García, 1978 is a subspecies of Martinophyllum ornatum Jell & Pedder, 1969. The Pragian fauna of Zújar is a typical fauna of  the Old World Realm with remarkably close relationships to Arctic Canada and Australia. Most species have been recorded for the first  time from Spain. No significant relationships to the Eastern Americas Realm are visible. Remarkable is, that none of the stromatoporoid  species of Zújar is known from the famous Pragian reef complex of Koněprusy in Bohemia, meanwhile the rugose coral fauna (e. g.  Joachimastraea barrandei Galle, Hladil & May, 1999) shows some relations. Some of the species found are ancestors of important  constructors of the Middle Devonian reef complexes, demonstrating that the roots of the Givetian-Frasnian reef complexes reach down  to the Pragian. 

KEYWORDS: Biogeography, reef, Anthozoa, Porifera, Devonian, Spain, Obejo-Valsequillo-Puebla de la Reina Domain, new species.

May, A. (2015): MayLib - a textfile-based bibliographic database for geosciences and a list of references on Devonian matters. - Carnets de Géologie [Notebooks on Geology], 15 (6): 59-62; Madrid.

Abstract: Scientists need to manage their own collections of bibliographic data as well as exchange these data easily with colleagues. One solution for this need is MayLib, a bibliographic database that runs on many different operating systems and does not require pre-installation of any software. MayLib is a very small, efficient and comprehensive JAVA program that handles references to publications in any Unicode-compatible language. It is user-friendly and not only contains the basic functions of a bibliographic database, but also has some advanced features. Using MayLib the author has been able to create a list of references, which contains 500 periodicals and 4206 literature references. Of these 4206 references 3191 deal with Devonian matters and 1594 references deal with corals.

Key Words: Java, bibliographic database, Devonian, corals, fossils.

Résumé : MayLib - une base "texte" de données bibliographiques pour les géosciences et une liste de références sur des thématiques dévoniennes.- Tout chercheur a besoin de gérer sa propre collection de données bibliographiques mais aussi d'échanger facilement ces données avec des collègues. MayLib offre une réponse à cette demande : il s'agit d'une base de données biblio-graphiques, fonctionnant sur plusieurs systèmes d'exploitation et ne nécessitant pas l'installation préa-lable d'autres logiciels. MayLib est un programme JAVA, léger, complet et efficace, pratique pour mani-puler des références à des publications dans toute langue compatible avec le standard Unicode. C'est un outil simple d'utilisation et qui est non seulement doté de toutes les fonctions essentielles d'une base de données bibliographiques mais également de quelques fonctionnalités avancées. Grâce à May-Lib, l'auteur a pu constituer une liste de références comportant 500 revues et 4206 entrées. De ces 4206 références, 3191 traitent de thématiques dévoniennes et 1594 ont pour objet des coraux.

Mots-clefs : Java , base de données bibliographiques , Dévonien , coraux , fossiles.

May, A. (1990b): Die rugose Koloniekoralle Argutastrea aus dem Massenkalk (Devon) des Hönnetals (Rechtsrheinisches Schiefergebirge). - Dortmunder Beiträge zur Landeskunde, Naturwissenschaftliche Mitteilungen, 24: 101-108, 2 figs., 1 tabs.; Dortmund.

Abstract: The Asbeck quarry in the Hönne valley southerly Oberrödinghausen (Western Sauerland, Eastern Rhenish Schiefergebirge) shows a more than 500 m mighty fossiliferous lagoonal Massenkalk (limestone) of Givetian (Middle Devonian) age. In the lower part of the sequence a corallum of the compound rugose coral Argutastrea (Pseudohexagonaria) brevisepta (GLINSKI 1955) has been found. It is the first proof of this species in the Givetian of the Rhenish Schiefergebirge.

Kurzfassung: Der Steinbruch Asbeck im Hönnetal südlich Oberrödinghausen (West- Sauerland) enthält eine über 500 m mächtige Schichtenfolge in fossilführendem lagunärem Massenkalk von Givetium-Alter (Mittel-Devon). Im unteren Teil der Abfolge fand sich ein Corallum der rugosen Koloniekoralle Argutastrea (Pseudohexagonaria) brevisepta (GLINSKI 1955), das den ersten Nachweis dieser Art aus dem Givetium des Rheinischen Schiefergebirges liefert.

May, A. (1991b): Die Fossilführung des westsauerländischen Givetiums (Devon, Rheinisches Schiefergebirge) in der Sammlung des Städtischen Museums Menden. - Geologie und Paläontologie in Westfalen, 17: 7-42, 20 figs.; Münster.

[The fossil-contents of the Givetian in the Western Sauerland (Devonian, Rhenish Schiefergebirge) shown by the collections of the Municipal Museum Menden (F.R. Germany)].  Abstract: The Municipal Museum Menden/Sauerland possesses extensive fossil collections from the northwestern Sauerland and its neighbourhood out of the Givetian strata Oberhonsel-Formation, Massenkalk, and Flinz. This collection was built 1912-1939 in cooperation with K. TORLEY. Brachiopods and reef builders (corals and stromatoporoids) are the most important fossil groups. The re-examination of the collection gave some new (bio-) stratigraphical informations (Fig. 2). The upper part of the Oberhonsel-Formation is as old as the Dreimühlen-Formation in the Eifel. Following species are described for the first time fram the Eastern Rhenish Schiefergebirge: the tabulate coral Aulopora lata LECOMPTE 1939, the rugose coral Siphonophrentis cantabrica BIRENHEIDE 1978, and the brachiopods Spinatrypa orthoclina COPPER 1967, Spinatrypina girzenensis COPPER 1967, and Desquamatia (Variatrypa) ajugata COPPER 1965. The anarcestid cephalopod Sobolewia amplorotundata (Torley 1908) is figured for the first time. Other Givetian fossils are as well figured.

Key words: Brachiopoda, Anthozoa, Cephalopoda, Devonian, Givetian, faunal list, biostratigraphy, Rhenish Schiefergebirge, Sauerland, museum.
Schlüsselwörter: Brachiopoda, Anthozoa, Cephalopoda, Devon, Givetium, Fauna, Biostratigraphie, Rheinisches Schiefergebirge, Sauerland, Museum.

Zusammenfassung: Das Städtische Museum Menden besitzt umfangreiche Fossilaufsammlungen aus dem Nordwest-Sauerland und angrenzenden Gebieten, die aus der Oberhonsel-Formation, dem Massenkalk und dem Flinz des Givetiums stammen. In dieser 1912-1939 unter Mitwirkung von K. TORLEY entstandenen Sammlung dominieren Brachiopoden und Riffbildner. Der obere Teil der Oberhonsel-Formation entspricht zeitlich der Dreimühlen- Formation der Eifel. Aus dem Rechtsrheinischen Schiefergebirge werden erstmalig beschrieben: die tabulate Koralle Aulopora lata LECOMPTE 1939, die rugose Koralle Siphonophrentis cantabrica BIRENHEIDE 1978 und die Brachiopoden Spinatrypa orthoclina COPPER 1967, Spinatrypina girzenensis COPPER 1967 und Desquamatia (Variatrypa) ajugata COPPER 1965. Der Anarcestide Sobolewia amplorotundata (TORLEY 1908) wird erstmalig abgebildet.

May, A. (1987a): Fazies und Stratigraphie des devonischen Massenkalkes zwischen Brilon, Wülfte und Alme (MTB Alme 4517, Sauerland). Mit einer Kartenaufnahme des Gebietes. - 1-172; Unpublished Kombinierte Diplomarbeit, Institut für Geologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Das Arbeitsgebiet liegt im östlichen Sauerland. Es umfaßt einen Teil des Briloner Massenkalksattels und der Nuttlarer Hauptmulde. Der Schwerpunkt der Untersuchung liegt auf dem devonischen Massenkalk. Es werden aus der Lithologie und Fazies der z. T. zyklisch aufgebauten, lagunären Sedimente Ergebnisse für die Lithostratigraphie und die Paläogeographie gewonnen. Die Fossilführung läßt Rückschlüsse auf die Ökologie und die biostratigraphische Einstufung zu. Zehn Kartiereinheiten sind ausgeschieden und beschrieben, fünf gehören dem Devon, zwei dem Karbon, eine der Kreide und zwei dem Quartär an. Der tektonische Aufbau, die Karsterscheinungen und die hydrogeologischen Verhältnisse sowie nutzbare Ablagerungen sind kurz erläutert. Daran schließt sich eine Diskussion der Ergebnisse an. Die Darstellung enthält im Anhang eine Auflistung der Aufschlüsse, Bohrungen und Profile, eine geologische Karte und zwei Querprofile.

May, A. & Pohler, S.M.L. & Brett, C. E. & Schönlaub, H.-P. (2004b): Lower Devonian reef biota from the Carnic Alps, Austria: implications for biogeography. In: Hubmann, B. & Piller, W. E. (Hrsg.): Pangeo Austria 2004 - Beitragskurzfassungen,. - Berichte des Institutes für Erdwissenschaften der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, 9: 256-257; Graz. http://www.landesmuseum.at/pdf_frei_remote/Ber_Inst_Erdwiss_Univ_Graz_9_0256-0257.pdf Tabulate corals, stromatoporoids and other associated biota from the Pragian/Emsian of the Hohe Warte Limestone in the Central Carnic Alps were investigated and three genera and species of stromatoporoids, seven species of tabulate corals and two genera and species of rugose corals were determined. Plectostroma latens (Počta) which is the most common stromatoporoid in the Hohe Warte Limestone was previously only known from the Pragian of Koneprusy in Bohemia (MAY 1999). An other common species, Actinostroma? ex gr. clathratum NICHOLSON was also previously desc...

May, A. (2011a): Buchbesprechung: 645. McLean, R. A. (2010): Frasnian (Upper Devonian) colonial disphyllid corals from Western Canada. Taxonomy and biostratigraphic significance. - Zentralblatt für Geologie und Paläontologie Teil II, vol. 2011 (3/4): p. 592-594; Stuttgart.


Buchbesprechung: 645. McLean, R. A. (2010): Frasnian (Upper Devonian) colonial disphyllid corals from Western Canada. Taxonomy and biostratigraphic significance. – In: CAVERS, B. P. (Hrsg): NRC Monograph Publishing Program. – VIII + 189 S., 16 S/W-Abb., 44 S/W-Taf., Ottawa (National Research Council – NRC), 22 x 28 cm, geb., ISBN-13 978-0-660-19943-6, € 57,- (CDN-$/US-$ 69,95).    Das vorliegende Buch behandelt eine wichtige Gruppe von rugosen Korallen aus dem  Frasnium (Ober-Devon) des westlichen Kanada: die koloniebildenden Arten der Familie Disphyllidae. Es werden insgesamt 16 Arten ausführlich beschrieben und abgebildet, die sich auf die Gattungen Disphyllum, Pantophyllum, Argutastraea, Hexagonaria, Whittakeria n. gen. und Kuangxiastraea verteilen. Von diesen 16 Arten sind 4 Arten neu: Disphyllum fumosum n. sp, Pantophyllum oliveri n. sp., Hexagonaria arietina n. sp. und Kuangxiastraea mirabilis n. sp. Das neue Genus Whittakeria hat zur Typus-Art  Prismatophyllum schucherti (Smith, 1945).  Jede der behandelten Gattungen wird ausführlich beschrieben und diskutiert. Außerdem finden sich für jedes Genus kommentierte Listen sicher zugehöriger, fraglich zugehöriger und auszuschließender Arten. In vergleichbarer Weise werden für jede Art ausführliche Synonymielisten und Vergleiche zu verwandten Arten angegeben. Als besonders positiv möchte der Rez. herausstellen, dass sich so klar zeigt, dass viele der hier aus Kanada beschriebenen Arten auch in anderen Teilen der Welt vorkommen. Über den engen Rahmen des Titels der Arbeit hinaus hat McLean (S. 50-51, Taf. 25) auch den Holotypus der Typus-Art von Columnaria Goldfuss, 1826 neu untersucht und kommt zu der Ansicht, dass entgegen früherer Meinungen die Disphyllidae und die Columnariidea nicht näher miteinander verwandt sind.  Dieser harte paläontologische Kern wird durch eine Analyse der biostratigraphischen Verbreitung der untersuchten Arten abgerundet.  Dieses Buch ist in vielerlei Hinsicht vorbildlich: Die untersuchte Fossilgruppe wird detailliert revidiert, ausführlich beschrieben und vorzüglich abgebildet. Der Autor berücksichtigt Literatur aus vielen Teilen der Welt, einschließlich Arbeiten in russischer und chinesischer Sprache. Aber um die Bedeutung dieses Buches richtig einschätzen zu können, muss man wissen, dass diese Monographie nur der bisher letzte Teil einer Meta-Monographie über die rugosen Korallen aus dem  Frasnium (Ober-Devon) des westlichen Kanada ist, deren vorherige Teile die Veröffentlichungen von McLean (1993, 1994, 2005, 2007) und McLean & Pedder (1984, 1987) waren.  Diese Arbeiten besitzen eine weit über den engen Rahmen der Rugosa-Spezialisten hinaus reichende Bedeutung, denn im Frasnium war das flachmarine Benthos sehr kosmopolitisch (May 1997a,b) und die Stromatoporen-Korallen-Riffe erreichten das Maximum ihrer  geographischen Verbreitung. Das bedeutet, dass im Frasnium rugose Korallen gerade in der biostratigraphisch spröden, aber ökonomisch hochinteressanten Riff-Fazies ein wichtiges Potential als Leitfossilien besitzen.Vor diesem Hintergrund wäre eine ausführlichere biogeographische Analyse wünschenswert gewesen.  Eine andere Lücke ist, dass, obwohl das Literaturverzeichnis sehr umfangreich ist, immer noch einige wichtige Arbeiten in renommierten Zeitschriften fehlen, wie z. B.: Liao & Hubmann (2006) und May (1993).  Trotz dieser kleinen Schwächen ist die Arbeit von McLean (2010) (ebenso wie die vorhergehenden Teile der Meta-Monographie) ein herausragende Arbeit, die der Rez. nur jedem Devon- und Korallen-Interessierten wärmstens ans Herz legen kann.    Andreas May      Literaturhinweise:  Liao, Weihua, & Hubmann, B. (2006): Comparison of the Givetian Rugose Coral Argutastraea of Dushan (South China) and Graz (Austria). - Acta Palaeontologica Sinica,  45 (1): 52-59, Beijing.  May, A. (1993): Korallen aus dem höheren Eifelium und unteren Givetium (Devon) des nordwestlichen Sauerlandes (Rheinisches Schiefergebirge). Teil II: Rugose Korallen, Chaetetiden und spezielle Themen. - Palaeontographica, Abt. A,  228: 1-103, 18 Abb., 1 Tab., Taf. 1-15, Stuttgart.  May, A. (1997a): Gedanken über Zusammenhänge zwischen Meeresspiegel, Biogeographie und Bio-Events im Devon. - Coral Research Bulletin, 5: 291-318, 4 Abb.., Dresden.  May, A. (1997b): Ein Modell zur Erklärung der Bio-Events und der biogeographischen Entwicklung im Devon durch den Meeresspiegel. - Dortmunder Beiträge zur Landeskunde, Naturwissenschaftliche Mitteilungen, 31: 137-174, 5 Abb., Dortmund.  McLean, R. A. (1993): Frasnian rugose corals of Western Canada. Part 3A: The massive Phillipsastreidae - Phillipsastrea, Chuanbeiphyllum. - Palaeontographica, Abt. A, 230 (1-3): 39-76, 13 Abb., Taf. 17-31, Stuttgart.  McLean, R. A. (1994): Frasnian rugose corals of Western Canada. Part 3B: The massive Phillipsastreidae - Pachyphyllum, Smithicyathus, Frechastraea. - Palaeontographica, Abt. A, 230 (4-6):  77-96, Taf. 32-39, Stuttgart.  McLean, R. A. (2005): Phillipsastreid Corals from the Frasnian (Upper Devonian) of Western Canada: Taxonomy and Biostratigraphic Significance. - v-viii + 1-109, 16 Abb., Taf. 1-26, Ottawa, Ont.  (NRC Research Press).  McLean, R. A. (2007): Kyphophyllid rugose corals from the Frasnian (Upper Devonian) of  Canada and their biostratigraphic significance. - Palaeontographica Canadiana, 26: 1-109, Taf. 1-26, Calgary / Alberta.  McLean, R. A., & Pedder, A. E. H. (1984): Frasnian rugose corals of western Canada. Part 1: Chonophyllidae and Kyphophyllidae. - Palaeontographica, Abt. A, 185: 1-38, 10 Abb., Taf. 1-13, Stuttgart.  McLean, R. A., & Pedder, A. E. H. (1987): Frasnian Rugose Corals of Western Canada, Part 2: The genus Smithiphyllum. - Palaeontographica, Abt. A, 195: 131-173, 12 Abb., Taf. 33-47, Stuttgart.

May, A. (1994c): Paleoecology and paleobiogeography of corals and other reef-builders from the Middle Devonian of the Sauerland (Germany). - In: Proceedings of the VI. International Symposium on Fossil Cnidaria and Porifera held in Münster, Germany 9.-14. September 1991, Volume 2,Courier Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg, 172: 147-159, 6 figs., 1 tabs.; Frankfurt am Main.

Abstract: In the NW Sauerland the coral limestone horizons of the uppermost Eifelian and the Lower Givetian show a very rich content of fossils: 28 tabulate coral species, 21 rugose coral species, 21 stromatoporoid species, 2 chaetetid species, and 16 calcareous algae species were identified by the author. They generally lived in a warm, normal marine environment in the shallow euphotic zone. An analysis of the lagoonal Massenkalk sediments (upper Lower Givetian to Frasnian) shows intertidal to subtidal cyclic sedimentation. Herein several reef-builder associations can be recognized. Their composition and distribution depend on water depth as weil as on the restriction of their environment. The Upper Eifelian and Lower Givetian reef-builder fauna of the Saueriand corresponds to the fauna of the Eifel Hills and the Ardennes, but a few of the Saueriand species are up to now only known from occurrences east of it. The "Rhenohercynian Basin" was a marginal sea, into which faunas from the Asiatic part of the "Old Worid Realrn" immigrated. A marine connection to the "Eastem Americas Realrn" was opened in the Upper Givetian.

Galle, A., & Hladil, J., & May, A. (1999): Two new corals from the Koněprusy Limestone (Lower Devonian, Pragian, Barrandian, Czech Republic). - Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 44 (1-2)  [Barrande Vol.]: 181-187, 1 figs., pl. 1-2; Prague.

http://home.gli.cas.cz/hladil/www/162.pdf 
Abstract: Two new species, one of them considered a new genus, are described from the Pragian Koněprusy Limestone. Members of the new genus Joachimastraea n. gen. (type species Joachimastraea barrandei n. sp.) display characters of both disphyllids and phillipsastraeids. Remesia koneprusiana n. sp. is an auloporid tabulate coral. Ecology and sedimentology of the Koněprusy Limestone is briefly discussed and the morphology of the Koneprusy reef is mentioned.

Topics: tabulate corals, reef talus, giant blocks, reef cave environment, reef, ocean environment, atoll Devonian, Pragian Czechia, Barrandian, Koneprusy area.  The study solves taxonomical and paleoecological characteristics of tube-shaped rugose and tabulate corals, new taxa have been described, the relationships among coral communities, their fossil asemblages and geological conditions have been solved...

May, A. (2003a): Die Fossilführung des Mitteldevons im Raum Attendorn–Olpe (West-Sauerland, Rechtsrheinisches Schiefergebirge). - Geologie und Paläontologie in Westfalen, 60: 47-79, 4 figs., pl. 1-3; Münster.

Abstract: Fossiliferous localities in the Middle Devonian strata of the Attendorn–Olpe area (western Sauerland) and their fossil contents are listed. Selected fossils are figured. This increases the knowledge of the Middle Devonian fauna of the south-western Sauerland significantly. Especially remarkable are following fossils: the asterozoan Eospondylus sp. From the upper part of the Selscheid Beds (Upper Eifelian), the tabulate coral Aulopora (Aulopora) ex gr. Liber SCRUTTON 1990 from the Upper Newberria-Beds (Lower Givetian), the rugose coral Cyathopaedium paucitabulatum (SCHLÜTER 1880) from the Upper Newberria-Beds (Lower Givetian), the stromatoporoid Taleastroma pachytextum (LECOMPTE 1952) from the Massenkalk limestone (Upper Givetian?), the tabulate coral Thamnopora bilamellosa ERMAKOVA 1960 from the Massenkalk limestone (Upper Givetian?), and the rugose coral Smithiphyllum belanskii PEDDER 1965 from the Massenkalk limestone (Upper Givetian?).  Thamnopora schouppei BRÜHL 1999 is a junior synonym of Coenites vermicularis (McCOY 1850).  The whole material has been collected by Mr. Ludwig Korte. It is stored in the Kreisheimatmuseum Attendorn.

Kurzfassung: Fundorte von Fossilien in den mitteldevonischen Schichten im Raum Attendorn–Olpe (West-Sauerland) und ihre Fossilführung werden aufgelistet. Ausgewählte Fossilien werden abgebildet. Dadurch wird die Kenntnis der Fauna des Mitteldevons im Südwest-Sauerland wesentlich erweitert. Besonders bemerkenswert sind folgende Fossilfunde: der Seestern Eospondylus sp. Aus dem oberen Teil der Selscheider Schichten (Ober-Eifelium), die tabulate Koralle Aulopora (Aulopora) ex gr. Liber SCRUTTON 1990 aus den Oberen Newberrien-Schichten (Unter-Givetium), die rugose Koralle Cyathopaedium paucitabulatum (SCHLÜTER 1880) aus den Oberen Newberrien-Schichten (Unter-Givetium), die Stromatopore Taleastroma pachytextum (LECOMPTE 1952) aus dem Massenkalk (Ober-Givetium?), die tabulate Koralle Thamnopora bilamellosa ERMAKOVA 1960 aus dem Massenkalk (Ober-Givetium?) und die rugose Koralle Smithiphyllum belanskii PEDDER 1965 aus dem Massenkalk (Ober-Givetium?). Desweiteren wird festgestellt, dass Thamnopora schouppei BRÜHL 1999 ein jüngeres Synonym von Coenites vermicularis (McCOY 1850) ist.  Das gesamte Material wurde von Herrn Ludwig Korte gesammelt. Es befindet sich im Kreisheimatmuseum Attendorn.

May, A. (1991c): Korallen und andere Riffbildner aus dem Mitteldevon des Sauerlandes. - Dortmunder Beiträge zur Landeskunde, Naturwissenschaftliche Mitteilungen, 25: 139-146, 3 figs.; Dortmund.

Abstract: In the northwestern Sauerland (Eastern Rhenish Schiefergebirge) deposited shallow marine carbonatic sediments of upper Eifelian to Givetian (Middle Devonian) age contain numerous tabulate corals and rugose corals, stromatoporoids, chaetetids, and calcareous algae. Their investigation allows conclusions about the paleoecology and the paleobiogeography. From the Upper Givetian Massenkalk limestone of Brilon-Alme Frechastraea n. sp. is figured.

Kurzfassung: Im Ober-Eifelium und Givetium (Mittel-Devon) wurden im nordwestlichen Sauerland (Rechtsrheinisches Schiefergebirge) flachmarine karbonatische Sedimente abgelagert, die zahlreiche tabulate Korallen sowie rugose Korallen, Stromatoporen, Chaetetiden und Kalkalgen enthalten. Ihre Untersuchung läßt Rückschlüsse auf die Palökologie und die Paläobiogeographie zu. Aus dem Massenkalk des Ober-Givetium von Brilon-Alme wird Frechastraea n. sp. abgebildet.