Makaira sp., cf. M. Nigricans Lacépède, 1802 (Teleostei: Perciformes: Istiophoridae) from the Eastover Formation, late Miocene, Virginia, and a reexamination of †Istiophorus calvertensis Berry, 1917

ABSTRACT

An incomplete, disarticulated skull (USNM 375733) is described and referred to Makaira sp., cf. M. nigricans, and a rostrum, †Istiophorus calvertensis Berry, 1917 (USNM 9344, holotype), is re-identified as Istiophorus sp., cf. I. platypterus. Both specimens are from the Eastover Formation (early late Miocene, Virginia) and are the oldest records in deposits bordering the western North Atlantic Ocean. Istiophorus sp., cf. I. platypterus (= †Istiophorus calvertensis) is the oldest record of the species. Based on ecological requirements of Recent species, the presence of Istiophorus sp., cf. I. platypterus and Makaira sp., cf. M. nigricans in the Eastover Formation indicates that deep, warm water probably existed at or near the collection sites for at least part of the year.