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)

Beryciformes (Soldier/Pricklefish)

Ophidiiformes (Cusk-eels)

Scombriformes (Mackerel & Tuna)

Gempylidae (Snake Mackerels)

Carangiformes (Jack Mackerels)

Istiophoriformes (Billfish)

Labriformes (Wrasses)

Perciformes (Perch-like)

Acanthuriformes (Luvar fish)

Ephippiformes (Spadefishes)

Lampriformes (Opahs/Oarfish)

Spariformes (Sea Bream)

Beerichthys ingens

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Acanthuriformes (Luvar fish)

Family:             Luvaridae

Genus:             Beerichthys

Species:          ingens (Casier, 1966)

Beerichthys ingens is a very unusual fish from the London Clay which up until recently was only known from a small number of partially preserved skulls. Earlier in 2025 however this changed with the discovery of a new specimen showing near perfect articulation of both the skull as well as post-cranial anatomy. The discovery of this specimen was an excellent team effort having first been spotted on the beach by Dan Hogburn, subsequently collected by Oliver Wyer, prepped by myself (Tom Sermon) and then identified by Prof Matt Friedman. This latest specimen reinforces the thesis that Beerichthys was an early member of the Acanthuriformes and represents an early ancestor to modern Luvar fish (Luvarus imperialis) which is only represented by one living species. This specimen would benefit from some further research given it’s excellent preservation.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Very flat top of neocranium  (1)
  • V-Shaped striations converging to the anterior of the skull (2)
  • Sclerotic ossicle in orbit present (3)
  • Very large operculum bone (4)
Primary Example: Most Complete Beerichthys
Comparison of Beerichthys ingens to Modern Luvar Fish
Modern Luvar Fish – “Lateral view, composite, mainly after Day 1881; Smiths’ Sea Fishes page 838” – Luvarus imperialis Rafinesque, 1810 by South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Primary Example: 3D Scan Most Complete Beerichthys
Additional Example: Rayners Example
Primary Example: Holotype NHMUK PV OR 43105
Additional Examples: Paratype NHMUK PV P 26718
Additional Examples: NHMUK PV P 26737
Side-by-side comparison of top of skull
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

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