LINKS TO ALL FISH:

 

Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons) 

Pycnodontiformes

Amiiformes (Bowfins)

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)

Acestrus ornatus

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Istiophoriformes (Billfish)

Family:             Xiphiidae

Genus:             Acestrus

Species:          ornatus (Woodward 1901)

Acestrus ornatus is only know from a few specimens and sadly all of these are only partials. It is clear from the morphology of the top of the skull that this is likely to be a billfish but it is not clear what these would have looked like until a more complete specimen is found. Acestrus ornatus is characterised by heavy ornamentation (including deep grooves and striations) on the top of the skull.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Sclerotic ossicle in orbit (1)
  • Deeply grooved ornamentation running down frontal bones on top of skull (2)
  • Centrally-radiating ornamentation (3)
Primary Example: NHMUK PV P 60905
Additional example: Fred Clouter Specimen
3D Scan - Acestrus ornatus - Fred Clouter Specimen

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission. 

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