Whitephippus tamesis

Whitephippus is a rare fish to find within the London Clay. They have a large central ridge on the top of the skull and have significant lateral-compression. The mouth opening is small and no teeth are present. Recent research (Davesne & Andrews et al. 2024) has moved the genus Whitephippus into this order having previously been considered part of the Spadefish order (Ephippiformes).

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Sclerotic ossicle present in eye orbit (1)
Raised central keel running length of cranium (2)
Large Operculum (3)

Primary Example: Holotype NHMUK PV P 6479

3D Scan: Holotype NHMUK PV P 6479

Additional Example: Dan Hogburn Specimen 1

3D Scan: Dan specimen 1

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Micro-CT Scan: Dan specimen 1

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Additional Example: NHMUK PV OR 35057

References

Davesne & Andrews et al. (2024) Three-dimensional anatomy of the early Eocene Whitephippus (Teleostei, Lampriformes) documents parallel conquests of the pelagic environment by multiple teleost lineages
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