LATE MESSINIAN OSTRACODS FROM EASTERN TUNISIA

Two stratigraphic sections referable to the late Messinian have been identified and studied in eastern Tunisia; the first, south of Cape Bon (Salakta-SAL section), the second in the Sahel region (Wadi el Kebir–OK section). The analysis of the ostracod fauna content (assemblages) has revealed that in some stratigraphic levels some taxa are certainly attributable to the Lago-Mare fauna, while other taxa, observed in subsequent or previous stratigraphic levels, are referable to true shallow-water marine environments. From these latter shallow water marine levels, several ostracods species were recognized; some of which, due to their morphological particularities, have been described as new species. Consequently, in this article, 24 species belonging to the genera Cytherella, Paijenborchellina, Cimbaurila, Pokornyella, Dorukella, Graptocythere, Capsacythere, Chrysocythere, Okadaleberis, Ruggieria, Cytheretta, and Neomonoceratina are described and illustrated as new.