Palaeofocus 1: The Elasmobranch Fauna of the Lede Sand Formation at Oosterzele (Lutetian, Middle Eocene of Belgium)

Elasmobranch remains are very common in the Lede Sand Formation at the Oosterzele sandpit. An overview of the species recovered from the transgressive base of this formation is given. After examining the Eocene elasmobranch record, it has been recognized that at least 3 different marine formations were reworked in the basal gravel of the Lede Sand Formation. One of these probably represents the formerly called Laekenian, a fully reworked marine formation similar to, but slightly older than the Lede Sands. In addition, a short list of species found in a layer situated higher up in the Lede Sands is given. Carcharias sp. is new for the Lede Sand Formation. Usakias cf. wardi Zhelenko & Kozlov, 1999 is recorded here for the first time in the Belgian Lutetian. Galeocerdo cf. eaglesomei (White, 1955), Mobulidae sp. and Dasyatis sp. are new for the Eocene of Belgium. Carcharias sp. and Usakias cf. wardi are discussed in detail.