Remarks on the late Visean crinoids from the Cantabrian Mountains and Menorca (NW Spain and Balearic Island).

Abstract

Crinoids known from the griotte facies of the Genicera Formation (Late Tournaisian - Early Namurian), Cantabrian Mountains, are listed. The Poteriocrinitid Balearocrinus cantabricus Herbig (Late Visean - ?Early Namurian) is the most common species. Like its close relative Balearocrinus breimeri Bourrouilh & Termier from Late Visean strata of Menorca, it is typically adapted to pelagic realms. Discrimination of the morphological similar shallow-shelf dweller Rhabdocrinus, which is not present in Spain, is discussed, as well as relations to Culmicrinus.