This contribution presents the record of an abundant assemblage of well-preserved, thallophytic noncalcified algae and of an epibiotic form that has been recognised as a putative graptolite from the upper Silurian (Ludlow, Gorstian–Ludfordian) of Podolia (western part of Ukraine). The sediments represent a shallow peritidal zone of the shelf. A new genus and species, Voronocladus dryganti, belonging to the Dasycladales Pascher, 1931, is established. Most of the specimens representing the algal thallus are overgrown by problematical epibiotic graptolites, described as Podoliagraptus algaeoides gen. et sp. nov. This phenomenon is explained as an epiphytic mode of life of the putative graptolite on algae, and is herein compared to recently known coexistences of algae with other organisms. The excellent state of preservation, and the abundance of studied Dasycladales algae and epibiotic problematics indicate that the investigated mudstone layer can be treated as a ‘Konservat Lagerstätte’ sensu Seilacher (1970).

This paper presents for the first time X-ray computed microtomography (μCT) analysis as a technique for Silurian graptolite detection in rocks. The samples come from the Jantar Bituminous Claystones Member of the Opalino core, Baltic Basin, northern Poland. Images were obtained with spatial resolution of 25 μm, which enabled the authors to create a 3-D visualization and to calculate the ratio of fissure and graptolite volume to the total sample volume. A set of μCT slices was used to create a 3-D reconstruction of graptolite geometry. These μCT slices were processed to obtain a clearly visible image and the volume ratio. A copper X-ray source filter was used during exposure to reduce radiograph artifacts. Visualization of graptolite tubaria (rhabdosomes) enabled Demirastrites simulans to be identified. Numerical models of graptolites reveal promising applications for paleontological research and thus for the recognition and characterization of reservoir rocks.