A lectotype for the Scottish Middle Devonian (Givetian) fish Osteolepis panderi and the historical problems of the genus Osteolepis

Abstract

In 1860 Pander described a new species of fish from the Givetian of Scotland using the invalid name Osteolepis microlepidotus which was a synonym of Osteolepis macrolepidotus . In 1948 Jarvik published a monograph on this fish giving it the name Osteolepis panderi . However, he did not designate a type specimen or a type locality. This was due to Jarvik's mistake in thinking he had to choose a specimen from one of the specimens used by Pander and being unable to view Pander's collection in Saint Petersburg (then Leningrad) due to World War II and the subsequent Cold War. O. microlepidotus first appeared in print in 1829, but Sedgwick and Murchison's description was inadequate for erecting a species. Shortly after, Agassiz described specimens of O. microlepidotus , which were later shown to be specimens of O. macrolepidotus. Jarvik should have chosen one of the specimens he used as he erected the species O. panderi . After a seven-decade delay NMS G.1903.130.35 in the National Museums of Scotland is chosen as the lectotype from the many specimens used by Jarvik in his description of the species. Skinnet Farm Quarry in Caithness, Scotland is also chosen as type locality for this species.