Scombrinus nuchalis

There are many specimens of Scombrinus nuchalis within both private and public collections although I would say that it it still an uncommon fish to find. Scombrinus nuchalis is one of the smaller fish compared to some of the other Scombrids within the London Clay and is characterised by very distinctive fibrous ornamentation to the frontal bones on the top of the skull.

Scombrinus nuchalis specimens have been found in both Divisions D/E on Sheppey as well as Div A3/B1 of Seasalter, North Kent.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Sclerotic ossicle present in orbit (1)
Often small scales present covering the operculum (2)
Ornate onamentation on frontal bones on top of skull (3)
Distinct fringe patternation on edge of preoperculum (4)

Primary Example: Fred Clouter specimen

3D Scan: Fred Clouter specimen

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

3D Scan: Fred Clouter specimen

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Additional examples: Fred Clouter SH310

3D Scan: Fred Clouter Specimen SH302

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Additional examples: Fred Clouter, Seasalter, SS261

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