A geographically widespread occurrence of the trace fossil Zoophycos is
described from the Lower Mississippian Cuyahoga Formation of northeastern
Ohio. Although Seilacher (1955, 1964, 1967a, 1967b) stated that Zoophycos is
most common in “intermediate water depths,” numerous environmental indicators
(oscillation ripple marks, large scale cross lamination, and Lingula)
demonstrate that in northeastern Ohio Zoophycos flourished in shallow water
which was above wave base. At present the genus encompasses too wide a
ränge of morphologic variables. Detailed studies are needed in order to determine
the limiting factor of the environment. Water depth does not appear to
provide the answer
