Eocoelopoma colei

Eocoelopoma colei belongs to the Scombridae family of fish which include Tuna, Mackerel and Bonitos. This group is characterised for it’s streamlined body forms, and retractable fins, making them capable of generating incredible speed through the water – essential for their open-ocean predatory living.

Eocoelopoma colei is the rarer of the 3 species currently described and characterised by a greater level of ornamentation (irregular wrinkles) on the operculum and preoperculum.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Large sclerotic ossicle present in eye orbit (1)
Smaller, sharp, conical teeth (2)
Robust ornamentation on operculum (3)
Fenestra present on top of cranium (4)

Primary Example: Holotype NHMUK PV P 623a

3D Scan: Holotype NHMUK PV P 623a

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

Additional Example: Fred Clouter Specimen SH345

3D Scan: Fred Clouter SH345

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Micro-CT Scan: Fred Clouter SH345

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Micro-CT Scan: Eocoelopoma sp. NHMUK PV P 26971

CT Scan undertaken by the Natural History Museum, London and provided to Tom Sermon with permission to publish.

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