Scombramphodon sheppeyensis

Scientific Classification

Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order: Scombriformes

Family: Scombridae

Genus: Scombramphodon

Species: sheppeyensis (Casier 1966)

Known from a single well preserved skull (and now possibly one other), there is some debate over whether Scombramphodon sheppeyensis is in fact a valid taxon within the London Clay or represents an incomplete skull of another species. Monsch (2005) speculates this could be a junior synonym for Duplexdens macropomus as it is missing the double row of teeth present in Scombramphodon however the teeth differ from Duplexdens significantly. They remain wide in base and are heavily-striated which are very similar to that of Scombramphodon. A specimen found by Fred Clouter also looks very similar with large Scombramphodon-style teeth and could represent a second specimen of this species.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Sclerotic ossicle present in orbit (1)
Robust, sharp teeth (2)

Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV OR 28755

3D Scan: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV OR 28755

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

CT Scan: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV OR 28755

CT scans kindly provided by the Natural History Museum, London with permission. From the collections of the Natural History Museum, London

Potential 2nd Specimen: Fred Clouter Specimen

3D Scan: Fred Clouter Specimen

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

CT Scan: Fred Clouter Specimen

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
Rayner, Mitchell, Clouter (2009) London Clay Fossils of Kent and Essex