Eothynnus salmoneus

Originally thought to belong to the Scombridae family due to its similarity to modern Tuna, recent thinking (Monsch 2005) has repositioned Eothynnus into the Family Carangidae which contains the Jack Mackerel, Pompanos and Jacks.

These are uncommon fish in the London Clay but are easily recognisable for the enormous central keel on the top of the skull and the centrally-radiating striations on the frontal bones.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Large sclerotic ossicle present (1)
Huge keel running near-length of top of skull (2)
Radiating striations above each orbit (3)

Primary Example: Paratype NHMUK PV OR 28757

Additional Example: NHMUK PV OR 19114

3D Scan: NHMUK PV OR 19114

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

CT Scan: NHMUK PV OR 19114

CT scans provided by the Natural History Museum, London to Tom Sermon with permission. From the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Additional Example: NHMUK PV OR 38900

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