Wetherellus brevior

Only known from one specimen at the NHM, London, Wetherellus brevior features a more compact and shorter skull morphology compared to that of Wetherellus cristatus. This can be seen here in the final image which compares the skull length and morphology side by side. Monsch (2005) casts doubt however on whether W.brevior and W.longior some enough difference from W.cristatus and that they are in fact all from the same species.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Sclerotic ossicle in orbit present (1)
Small sharp teeth (2)

Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P 26891

3D Scan - Primary Example HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P 26891

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission. From the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

CT Scan - Primary Example HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P 26891

CT scans undertaken by the Natural History Museum, London and provided with permission. From the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

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