Cylindracanthus rectus

Cylindracanthus rectus is a large billfish found in the London Clay which until recently was only known from fragments of rostrum. It was only when Dan Hogburn found the exceptional skull (featured below) did it allow us to get a better understanding of the skull. There is much debate as to where Cylindracanthus fits into the billfish group.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Large sclerotic ossicle in orbit (1)
Tiny teeth creating an abrasive surface on both upper and lower jaws of the rostrum (2)
Deep grooves and ridges run the length of the rostrum (3)

Primary Example: Dan Hogburn Specimen

Primary Example: Dan Hogburn including additional upper rostrum section

3D Scan - Dan Hogburn Example

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

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