New data on rudist assemblages in Cuba

Abstract

A review of the most important publications about the rudist assemblages in Cuba is offered. A faunal assemblage from the eastern part, belonging to the Maastrichtian (Titanosarcolites fauna), is studied. It includes both Titanosarcolites and Barrettia. Four faunal assemblages are recognized in the Cuban Upper Cretaceous: (1) Tepeyacia fauna, probably Cenomanian-Turonian age; (2) Durania fauna, probably of a Santonian or Coniacian age; (3) Barrettia fauna; and (4) Títanosarcolites fatna. The last two are of a (probably Upper) Maastrichtian age and are corresponding to either two different stratigraphic horizons or two different facies in that age. The relationship between these two assemblages must, however, still be investigated, although the Barrettia fauna probably is somewhat older than the Titanosarcolítes fauna, according to the work of Chubb (1956, 1961). Some evidence about the occasional association of Titanosarcolites and Barrettia at some Cuban and West Indian localities is mentioned.