First assemblage of Acanthodian scales and spines from the Famennian (Upper Devonian) of Durnal (Belgium), palaeobiogeographical and palaeoenvironmental implications

The vertebrate microremains assemblage from the Famennian (Upper Devonian) of the Belgian locality of Durnal is compared with those of the Famennian of Strud, Latvia and Gondwanan Frasnian localities. These faunal comparisons allow palaeoenvironmental and palaeobiogeographical considerations on the faunal interchanges between Gondwana and Euramerica during the Middle-Late Devonian. Isolated acanthodian spines and scales, usually relatively scarce in the Famennian deposits in Belgium, constitute the major part of the Famennian microremains assemblage from Durnal, together with actinopterygian scales and sarcopterygian teeth and scales. This acanthodian fauna from Durnal is the first known association of spines and scales in Northern France and Belgium.