Exceptionally preserved calcified sponge assemblagesin Upper Jurassic carbonates of the eastern Getic Carbonate Platform (Southern Carpathians, Romania)

A rich poriferan assemblage was identified within the easternmost part of Getic Carbonate Platform Romania (Grădiștei Gorges). The excellent preservation state most poriferans here led to discovery a new species (Neuropora gigantea Pleș & Schlagintweit, n. sp.) and identification previously unknown diagnostic features in some (Sarsteinia babai Schlagintweit Gawlick, 2006 emend., Neuropora lusitanica Termier, 1985, Sphaeractinia steinmanni Canavari, 1893). Calciagglutispongia yabei Reitner, 1992, Sarsteinia are reported for first time from Upper Jurassic carbonates Platform. sedimentary input fluctuations nutrient competition had an important role understanding morphological adaptations analysed species. existing palaeoecological palaeoenvironmental conditions generated different distribution patterns towards reef profile also preferential specific Tethyan domain. As opposed assemblages northern shelves, these organisms formed sponge-coral-microencruster boundstones at margins fore-reefal zones isolated carbonate platforms intra-Tethyan realm. importance calcified sponges reef-zonation is highlighted by establishment general zonation model. Three can be distinguished: 1) Cladocoropsis-Milleporidium zone (back-reef area); 2) Bauneia-Chaetetopsis-Parastromatopora (central 3) Sphaeractinia/Ellipsactinia-Neuropora fore-reef area. In absence true framework developed typical morphologies, environmental partnerships with other biotic groups which strongly influenced production throughout