Gempylid sp. – London Clay Fossils

This specimen in the collection of the NHM, London was originally attributed to Eutrichurides however recent research (Beckett et al. 2018) has suggested this is more likely to be part of the Snake Mackerel family (Gempylidae). This is the only specimen known and only represents the Neurocranium.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

No evidence of sclerotic ossicle in orbit on holotype (1)
Long, near flat, elongated cranium (2)

Primary Example: NHMUK PV OR 41318

References

Beckett, H et al. (2018) Morphology and phylogenetic relationships of fossil snake mackerels and cutlassfishes (Trichiuroidea) from the Eocene (Ypresian) London Clay Formation
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