LINKS TO ALL FISH:

 

Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons) 

Pycnodontiformes

Amiiformes (Bowfins)

Osteoglossiformes (Bony tongues)

Albuliformes (Bonefishes)

Anguilliformes (Eels)

Elopiformes (Tarpon / Tenpounders)

Siluriformes (Catfish)

Gonorynchiformes (Milk fish)

Aulopiformes (Grinners & Lizardfish)

Gadiformes (Cod & Hake)

Holocentriformes (Soldier fish)

  • Myripristis toliapicus
  • Naupygus bucklandi
  • Paraberyx bowerbanki

Ophidiiformes (Cusk-eels)

Scombriformes (Mackerel & Tuna)

Gempylidae (Snake Mackerels)

Carangiformes (Jack Mackerels)

Istiophoriformes (Billfish)

Labriformes (Wrasses)

Perciformes (Perch-like)

Pleuronectiformes (Flatfish)

Acanthuriformes (Luvar fish)

  • Beerichthys ingens
  • Beerichthys sp.

Ephippiformes (Spadefishes)

Lampriformes (Opahs/Oarfish)

Spariformes (Sea Bream)

Wetherellus cristatus

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Scombriformes

Family:             Scombridae

Genus:             Wetherellus

Species:          cristatus (Casier 1966)

Wetherellus cristatus is a very rare fish from the London Clay but is the more commonly found of the 3 species of Wetherellus described to date (although Monsch 2005 casts some doubt over whether they are all in fact one species). Wetherellus have a distinctive morphology to the top of the skull (centrally-radiating striations along the frontals) and are fairly wide in skull width. They feature a double row of small, fine teeth and a large sclerotic ring. To date, these have been recorded in Divisions D/E of the London Clay on the Isle of Sheppey. 

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Sclerotic ossicle in orbit present (1)
  • Small sharp teeth (2)
Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV OR 28498
3D Scan - Primary Example HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P 26903
Additional examples: NHMUK PV P 45045 and NHMUK PV P 45048
Side by Side comparison across Wetherellus species
References
  • Casier, E. (1966) Fauna ichthyologique du London Clay. British Museum Natural History London, 1966, 1-496

  • Monsch, K (2005) Revision of the scombroid fishes from the Cenozoic of England

  • Raynor, Mitchell, Clouter (2009) London Clay Fossils of Kent and Essex