Acestrus ornatus

Acestrus ornatus is only know from a few specimens and sadly all of these are only partials however a combination of all of these helps give a clearer impression of this small billfish. Acestrus ornatus is characterised by heavy ornamentation (including deep grooves and striations) on the top of the skull and a flattened elongated rostrum.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Sclerotic ossicle in orbit (1)
Deeply grooved ornamentation running down frontal bones on top of skull (2)
Centrally-radiating ornamentation (3)
Long, flattened rostrum (4)

Primary Example: NHMUK PV P 60905

Additional example: Fred Clouter Specimen

3D Scan - Acestrus ornatus - Fred Clouter Specimen

CT Scan - Acestrus ornatus - Fred Clouter Specimen

3D & CT scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Additional Specimen: Thomas Harrison Specimen

This newly discovered specimen is one of the more complete examples and shows more of the elongated, flattened rostrum that extends at the front of the skull. This could benefit from further prep to expose more of the skull.

Additional Examples: Holotype NHMUK PV P 627 & NHMUK PV P1739

Additional Examples: Two Additional Specimens

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
Rayner, Mitchell, Clouter (2009) London Clay Fossils of Kent and Essex