Early Jurassic (Hettangian - Sinemurian) ammonites from New Caledonia (French Overseas Territory, Western Pacific)

Abstract : Seventeen ammonite taxa are described and placed in their biostratigraphic framework which covers parts of the Hettangian and Early Sinemurian ages. They show on the one hand strong paleogeographic affinities with the western Tethys [Ectocentrites, Paradasyceras and Angulaticeras (Sulciferites) cf. marmoreum Oppel] and, at the same time, less strongly expressed affinities with eastern Pacific areas with Eolytoceras. Nevertheless the Early Jurassic of New Caledonia essentially reveals a strong endemism due to the presence of ammonites like Kammerkarites paucicostatum (Avias) and Ectocentrites thibaudi nov. sp. and to some New Zealand ammonites like Murihikuites mackellari Stevens or Nevadaphyllites (?) pounamuus Stevens. More ubiquitous forms like Arnioceras aff. bodleyi (Buckman) and Phylloceras (?) cf. psilomorphum Neumayr are also present.