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)

Laparon alticeps

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Ephippiformes (Spadefishes)

Family:             Ephippidae

Genus:             Laparon

Species:          alticeps (Casier 1966)

Laparon alticeps is the second member of the spadefish family (Ephippidae) to be represented in the London Clay. From the specimens observed, this is a much smaller fish than Whitephippus but shares the central ridge on the top of the skull and the lateral-compression to the body.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Raised profile at rear of skull (poor preservation on holotype) (1)
  • Distinct V-shape (2)
  • Course striations on the Hyomandibular (3)
  • Sclerotic ossicle present in eye orbit (4)
Primary Example: Holotype NHMUK PV P 620
3D Scan: Holotype NHMUK PV P 620

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

Additional Example: Dan Hogburn Specimen 1 - Suspected to be Laparon alticeps
Additional Example: Dan Hogburn Specimen 2 - Suspected to be Laparon alticeps
Photo of Dan Hogburn Specimen 2 - finding this on the beach
3D Scan: Dan specimen 2

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission. 

Micro-CT Scan: Dan specimen 2

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