Blanquillos (Teleostei, Malacanthidae) from the Middle Miocene of St. Margarethen in Burgenland, Austria: Palaeoenvironmental implications

Fishes of the genus Malacanthus, also known as blanquillos are widespread circum-tropically in shallow waters with sandy bottoms. Blanquillos are diurnal territorial and sedentary fishes that build burrows in open and flat sandy areas near coral and rocky reefs and seagrass beds. The burrows are roofed by mounds constructed of shell and coral fragments, creating a peculiar habitat for benthic invertebrates and fishes on the sand-flat. A new...