Discoasteroides kuepperi

Discoaster kuepperi Stradner, 1959a

The holotype of Discoasteroides kuepperi was originally reported to be of middle Paleocene (Thanetian) age at the time of its description. However, subsequent studies have demonstrated that the holotype-bearing sediments are of lower Eocene (Ypresian) age, consistent with the currently recognised global stratigraphic range of Discoasteroides kuepperi.

The rosette-shaped asterolith is characterised by 8–10 radial segments and a large, flaring central process on the concave side. The segments, with pointed terminations, are typically fused along most of their length.

The flaring central process shows distinct interference colours in plan and lateral views and is characterised by length-fast (–) elongation.

Bramlette, M. N. & Sullivan, F. R. 1961, Coccolithophorids and related nannoplankton of the Early Tertiary in California. Micropaleontology 7(2): 129-188.

Stradner, H., 1959a. Die fossilen Discoasteriden Osterreichs. II. Erdoel-Zeitschrift. 75(12), 472-488.