Undescribed Gempylid #1

This is an interesting undescribed species of which I’ve showcased 3 specimens below. The morphology of the top of the skull is very similar to that of Progempylus edwardsi however this species does not have as much of an elongated skull so represents a different species. The morphology of the skull and teeth look representative of Snake Mackerel and so I’ve placed this temporarily under the family Gempylidae.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Sclerotic ring present in eye orbit (1)
Long, sharp retrorse teeth (pointing backwards) on dentary (2)
Smaller, more frequent, retrorse teeth on maxillary (3)
Distinctive, flat frontals on top of skull (4)

Primary Example: Fred Clouter, SH306

3D Scan: Fred Clouter, SH306

Micro-CT Scan: Fred Clouter, SH306

Additional Example: Fred Clouter, Seasalter, SS341

Additional Example: Gary Walker

Side by Side comparison with Progempylus edwardsi

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