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)

Luvaridae (Luvar fish)

Ephippiformes (Spadefishes)

Lampriformes (Opahs/Oarfish)

Spariformes (Sea Bream)

Ephippiformes (Spadefishes)

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Clade:              Percomorpha

Order:              Ephippiformes (Spadefishes)

Ephippiformes is an order of ray-finned fish which contain the family Ephippidae – more commonly known as Spadefish. Evolving during the Eocene, these fish are known for their oval-shape and laterally-compressed bodies. 

 

There is only two species known within the London Clay which will represent one of the earliest members of this order of fish. It was previously thought that Whitephippus genus belonged in this group but recent research has moved this into the Lampriformes order (Opahs/Oarfish).

 

This is an artistic reconstruction of a yet to be described spadefish from the London Clay.

Click species for detailed summary: