Rhinocephalus planiceps

Rhinocephalus planiceps is one of the more common fossil fish to find in the London Clay. Although they are an early member of the Order Gadiformes, their skull morphology is very similar to that of modern Silver Hake (Merluccius genus). The top of the skull is very distinctive and easy to recognise and it has fine, sharp, retrorse teeth (backward-pointing).

These fish are commonly found in London Clay locations like Tankerton, Kent (Division B1/B2) but can also be found on the Isle of Sheppey also (Division D/E). There is also an example in the NHM of a specimen from the Aveley site in Essex which represents Division B2/C.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

No sclerotic ossicle present (1)
Fine, sharp teeth (2)

Primary Example: Holotype NHMUK PV OR 47985

Additional Example: Fred Clouter SH286

3D Scan: Fred Clouter SH286

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

Micro-CT Scan: Fred Clouter SH286

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Additional specimen: NHMUK PV P 65195 (Aveley, Essex)

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