The fossil record of the Bramble-shark Echinorhinus (Echinorhiniformes, Echinorhinidae) in South America

Abstract

The present contribution aims is to analyze the fossil record of the genus Echinorhinus in South America, and particularly Argentina. We made a first-hand examination of the species Echinorhinus pozzi from the early Miocene of Patagonia, and recognize it as a valid taxon. The species was originally described in the XIX century, and since then no author described or illustrated the original material based on observations of the actual specimens. The genus Echinorhinus is reported for the first time in late Miocene Paraná beds, based on the occurrence of fossil dermal spines. The species Echinorhinus maremagnum occurring in the latest Cretaceous outcrops from Patagonia in Chile and Argentina is considered valid and clearly distinguishable from E. lapaoi, contradicting recent claims that argue their synonymy.