Eocoelopoma curvatum

Eocoelopoma curvatum 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 curvatum is a fairly common fish to find in the London Clay. It has robust, conical teeth at regular intervals on both upper and lower jaws. One of the key differentiating factors is the dense ornamentation on the frontal bones on the top of the skull which are very distinctive.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

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

Primary Example: NHMUK PV P 9455

3D Scan: NHMUK PV P 9455

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

Additional Example: Fred Clouter Specimen 1

3D Scan: Fred Clouter Specimen 1

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Micro-CT Scan: Fred Clouter Specimen 1

CT scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Micro-CT Scan: Eocoelopoma curvatum NHMUK PV P 9456a

CT Scans undertaken the Natural History Museum, London and provide to Tom Sermon with permission. NHMUK PV P 9456a is labelled as Scombrinus nuchalis (Paratype) however Monsch (2005) reassigned this to Eocoelopoma curvatum.

Micro-CT Scan: Eocoelopoma curvatum NHMUK PV P 26701

CT Scans undertaken the Natural History Museum, London and provide to 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