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)

Enniskillenus radiatus

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Scombriformes

Family:             Palaeorhynchidae

Genus:             Enniskillenus

Species:          radiatus (Casier 1966)

Enniskillenus is an odd and rare fish to find which was originally assigned to the family Palaeorhynchidae, but more recently to Xiphiinae. This skull is clearly recognisable for the ornate patterns on the gently curving frontal bones on the top of the skull. Recently, local collector Dan Hogburn found a more complete, larger specimen which showcases more of the elongated rostrum, abrasive teeth and ‘keel-like’ deep lower jaw with fused symphysis. The rostrum of this new specimen looks very much like Aglyptorhynchus and with the characteristic ventrally expanded flange on the posterior of the maxilla bone, I’m wondering whether Enniskillenus isn’t in fact representative of the skull of an Aglyptorhynchus (more research however needed).

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • Sclerotic ossicle in orbit present (1)
  • Ornate, fibrous pattern on frontals (2)
  • Fenestra present between parietal and frontal bones (3)
  • Elongated upper and lower jaws forming a rostrum (4)
  • ‘Keel-like’ lower jaw with fused symphysis which narrows along the rostrum (5) 
  • Abrasive tiny teeth of surface of both upper and lower rostrums (6)
Primary Example: Dan Hogburn Recent Find
3D Scan - Primary Example
Primary Example: Dan Hogburn
3D Scan - Primary Example
Photo of specimen as found by Dan Hogburn on the beach at Warden, Sheppey
Holotype NHMUK PV P646
3D Surface Scan - Holotype NHMUK PV P646

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission. From the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Examples #3:
Micro-CT Scan - Specimen #3

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission. 

Additional Specimen - Martin & David Rayner

This wonderful specimen in the collection of David & Martin Raynor is important as it clearly showcases the elongated Istiophorin-like vertebrae suggesting that Enniskillenus was certainly some kind of Billfish.

Side by Side Comparisons
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