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Spariformes (Sea Bream)

Podocephalus curryi

Scientific Classification

Class:               Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fish)

Order:              Spariformes

Family:             Sparidae (Sea Breams & Porgies)

Genus:             Podocephalus

Species:          curryi (Casier 1966)

Podocephalus curryi is an incredibly rare fish from the London Clay and only represented by one specimen in the NHM, London. The morphology of the rear of the skull looks similar to that of Sciaenurus however it is significantly flatter and wider, with less of the steep angle you would normally see in other Sparidae. 

Distinguishing Characteristics:
  • No evidence of sclerotic ossicle in orbit (1)
  • Relatively flat, sloping cranium (2)
  • Very long and thin Supraoccipital crest (3)
Primary Example: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV OR 35697
3D Surface scan: HOLOTYPE NHMUK PV OR 35697
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