Esocelops cavifrons

Esocelops cavifrons is a rare Elopidae fish from the London Clay formation – only known from a small number of specimens including two in the collection of the NHM, London. All of these specimens have been found on the Isle of Sheppey representing Division D/E of the formation. These feature a gently sloping and elongated skull with retrorse (backwards facing) teeth.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

No sclerotic ossicle in orbit (1)
Gently angled, elongated cranium (2)
Small teeth clearly present on both upper and lower jaws (3)
Depression on top of cranium (4)

Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P1749

3D Scan: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P1749

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

Additional Example: PARATYPE NHMUK PV P640

Additional Example: Fred Clouter SH502

3D Scan - Fred Clouter SH502

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