LINKS TO ALL FISH:

 

Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons) 

Pycnodontiformes

Amiiformes (Bowfins)

  • Lehmanamia sheppeyensis

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)

Aulopopsis depressifrons

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Aulopiformes

Family:             Aulopidae (Flagfins)

Genus:             Aulopopsis

Species:          depressifrons (Casier 1966)

Aulopopsis depressifrons is a very rare fish found in the London clay and only represented by a few known specimens. 


This represents a family of fish called the Aulopidea or Flagfins, which like Lizardfish, are bottom-dwelling predators generally found in tropical waters. 


This fish has been found in Division D/E of the London Clay in Sheppey as well as Divisions B1/B2 in Aveley, Essex. 


This illustration of an Australian Flagfin comes from the 1885 publication ‘Natural History of Victoria’.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Sclerotic ossicle present (1)
  • Distinctive radiating striations on cranium (2)
  • Robust teeth on lower jaw (3)
Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P 26712
3D Scan: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P 26712

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

Additional Example: NHMUK PV P 65199 - Aulopopsis sp.

This specimen was found in the 1990s in a stockpile at ARC landfill site, Sandy Lane, Aveley, Essex. Although it is listed as Aulopopsis depressifrons, the skull is more elongated than the holotype featured above. Could possibly represent a new species of extinct Aulopopsis.

 

Side by Side Comparison
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