A lucinoid bivalve trace fossil Saronichnus abeli igen. et isp. n. from the Miocene molasse deposits of lower Austria, and its environmental significance

A new ichnogenus and ichnospecies Saronichnus abeli is described for a protrusive trace fossil produced by the lucinoid bivalve Thyasira michelottii from storm-dominated siliciclastics of the Miocene (Lower Badenian) Grund Formation. A chemosymbiotic life strategy under dysaerobic conditions is proposed for this bivalve. The trace fossil expresses an adaptation to oxygen-poor habitats.