Order RHYNCHONELLIDA
Introduction
The members of the cosmopolitan order Rhynchonellida are small to moderate-sized, impunctate, with a greyish-white or black shell. Dental plates are usually present and most are unplicate. The pedicle is used for tethering whether the substratum is hard or soft. The lophophore is spirolophous and supported at its base by crura. Spicules are absent.
This order comprises four families, only two of which occur in Australia. Cryptoporidae are represented by two species, the cosmopolitan Cryptopora gnomon and the endemic Aulites brazieri. The Basiliioloidae are represented by a single endemic species, Eohemithiris colurnus. The three basiliiodid genera are monotypic.
General References
Foster, M.W. 1974. Recent Antarctic and Subantarctic Brachiopods. Antarctic Research Series 21: 1-189 [46]
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |