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)

Gempylidae (Snake Mackerel)

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Clade:              Percomorpha

Order:              Scombriformes

Family:              Gempylidae (Snake Mackerel)

Gempylidae is a family of fish within the Order Scombriformes and are more commonly known as Snake Mackerels or Escolars.


Snake Mackerels are known for their elongated bodies with long dorsal fins. They have needle-like fangs and retrorse teeth making them fearsome predators. It is believed that the Eocene saw the first members of this group and the London Clay represents some of the earliest.  


This illustration comes from George Cuvier’s ‘Histoire naturelle des poissons’ (1828-1849) and represents  a modern Snake Mackerel (Gempylus serpens).

Click species for detailed summary: