Les mégafaunes marines du Messinien de Melilla (Nord-Est Maroc)
Abstract The Messinian Melilla basin (northeast of Morocco) has supplied a rich and varied macrofauna. Bryozoa (112 species), Bivalvia (31 species) and echinids (25 species) are the main groups. Brachiopods, Crustacea, Annelida and Madreporaria are also present. The study of the macrofauna indicates that the organisms lived between a few meters to 100 meters and that the temperature of the water was higher than that of the present-day Southern Mediterranean. The palaeobiogeographical results show relations with other Neogene basins. The Bryozoa and the echinids have greater affinities with the Mediterranean province but the Bivalvia are closer to the Atlantic province.