Sphyraenodus priscus

Sphyraenodus priscus is another larger fish species that can be found in the London Clay with complete skulls often 25-35cm long. These skulls feature robust jaws with a single row of large, conical teeth which feature clear basal striations. They also have large and thick sclerotic rings within the eye orbit. These fish have been found in Division D/E of the London Clay on the Ilse of Sheppey.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Sclerotic ossicle present in orbit (1)
Robust, heavily striated teeth (2)
Wide frontal bones above orbit with heavy ornamentation (3)

Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV P 3957

Additional examples: Dan Hogburn Specimen 1

3D Scan: Dan Hogburn Specimen 1

3D scans undertaken by Tom Sermon with permission.

Photo of Dan Hogburn finding this specimen on the beach on the North Coast of the Isle of Sheppey:

Additional examples: NHMUK PV OR 35106

Additional examples: NHMUK PV P 21669

Additional examples: NHMUK PV P 26828

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