Persiconus sarvaki gen. et sp. nov., a new complex orbitolinid (Foraminifera) from the Cenomanian of the Sarvak Formation (SW Iran, Zagros Zone)

A new orbitolinid is described as Persiconus sarvaki gen. et sp. nov. (subfamily Orbitolininae), from the Cenomanian of the Sarvak Formation, Zagros Zone, SW Iran. It is characterized by a high-conical test, a complex embryo situated in an apical position, a complex marginal zone (several orders of beams and rafters), and a central zone with a reticulate network of anastomosing main partitions. Comparisons can be made to the Aptian taxa Rectodictyoconus Schroeder, Dictyoconus? pachymarginalis Schroeder, and the Thanetian genus Karsella Sirel. The new species occurs in a foraminiferal wacke-/packstone associated with nezzazatids, alveolinids (Praealveolina, Cisalveolina), chrysalidinids, indicating a middle to middle/ upper Cenomanian age. It is considered an endemic taxon restricted to the Arabian Plate. Persiconus sarvaki represents the latest orbitolinid recorded so far before the large-scale extinction event around the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.