Phyllodus toliapicus

Phyllodus is an extinct genus of bony fish which evolved during the Cretaceous 70 million years ago and survived through to the Middle Miocene 15 million years ago. They are characterised by their distinctive crushing tooth plates. There is just one species described from the London Clay. There is some debate as to whether the Phyllodontidae family fits into the Order Albuliformes or whether it might fit under Elopiformes.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Rounded & elongated central crushing teeth in centre of plate (1)
Marginal teeth are smaller and orientated to circle the central, lateral teeth (2)

Primary Example: Tom Sermon specimen

Additional Examples: NHMUK PV P 9474

Additional Examples: Historic John Cummings example

Additional Examples: NHMUK PV P 3968

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