Middle and late Eocene fish otoliths from the eastern and southern USA

The fossil otoliths of the southern USA have been known for more than 130 years and are among richest assemblages worldwide. However, previous studies often scattered with outdated systematic scheme. A collection over 25000 ranging in age from Lutetian to Priabonian 47 sites five states eastern is analysed here. Combined earlier described material, at least 101 otolith-based taxa documented, which 83 identified species level. Fourteen these introduced as new species: Elopothrissus bernardlemorti sp. nov., “Muraenesox” barrytownensis Pseudophichthys texanus Paraconger wechesensis Neoopisthopterus weltoni “aff. Glyptophidium” stringeri Symmetrosulcus dockeryi Mene garviei “Citharus” varians Waitakia beelzebub Astroscopus compactus Parascombrops yanceyi Anisotremus rambo Pagellus pamunkeyensis nov. distinct fom contemporary European faunas by complete lack mesopelagic fish otoliths, presence sciaenids. Dominant American Eocene Ophidiidae, Sciaenidae, Lactariidae, Congridae. They indicate shallow-water environments all sampled sites. notable abundance those suggests that they could a higher turnover rate, provided fundamental nutrition local Paleogene marine ecosystem. Further analyses stratigraphic succession revealed faunal between Claiborne Jackson seas was evident teleosts, it might be widespread other organisms region.