Decapod fauna from the lower Aptian in the Valencian sector of the Maestrat Basin (NE Iberia)

This study presents a initial assessment of the decapod fauna from the Lower Aptian Forcall Fm. in the Morella and Orpesa sub-basins of the Valencian sector of the Maestrat Basin. A total of thirteen taxa are documented, representing Nephropoidea, Paguroidea, Galatheoidea, Axiidea, and Brachyura. Among them, one new genus, three new species, and a new combination are proposed: Viapagurus covavidrensis n. sp., Eomunidopsis rigolleti n. sp., Morellosia maestratensis n. gen., n. sp., and Distefania pimientai n. comb. Comparisons with decapod faunas from other sub-basins of the Maestrat Basin suggest a notable faunal homogeneity across the region. Additionally, palaeobiogeographic implications are discussed, providing insights into the distribution and diversity of Aptian decapod crustaceans. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the decapod assemblages of the Forcall Fm. and their relationship with coeval faunas in the western Maestrat Basin.