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Promegalops sheppeyensis

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Elopiformes

Family:             Elopidae

Genus:             Promegalops

Species:          sheppeyensis (Casier 1966)

This is an incredibly rare London Clay fish with one confirmed specimen in the collection of the Natural History Museum, London and a more complete specimen which is also believed to represent P.sheppeyensis. The Holotype for this specimen is only a neurocranium so provides some limitations when comparing it to more complete specimens which is why it is somewhat difficult to say conclusively that the second, more complete specimen, represents the same species. The second specimen is certainly Promegalops genus however. 

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • No sclerotic ossicle in orbit (1)
  • Flat, elongated cranium (2)
  • Two raised parallel ridges on cranium (3)
Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P9192
3D Scan: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P9192

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission. 

Primary Example: Raynor's Specimen
3D Scan: Raynor's Specimen

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission. 

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