Argillichthys toombsi
Argillichthys toombsi
Summary
Argillichthys toombsi was an aulopiform teleost from the London Clay marine fauna. Its skull combines a relatively low cranial profile with robust jaws and an ossified eye ring, indicating a visually oriented predatory fish. Aulopiforms include many active predators of fishes and other nekton, and a similar feeding role is a reasonable interpretation for Argillichthys, although its exact prey is not directly known.
The species is represented mainly by three-dimensional cranial material from concretions. These fossils preserve the feeding apparatus and orbital region particularly well, providing a picture of an animal built around a sizeable gape and strong grasping dentition rather than crushing or grazing structures.
Quick Identification
Look for: a low, relatively flat skull with a conspicuous sclerotic ring and strong jaws bearing robust pointed teeth; the combination of a broad orbital region and substantial upper and lower jaw bones is especially useful in complete cranial material.
Diagnostic Features
- Skull roof is relatively low and flattened dorsoventrally.
- Orbit contains a well-ossified sclerotic ring.
- Upper jaw carries robust pointed teeth rather than a pavement of crushing teeth.
- Lower jaw is similarly strongly toothed and built for grasping.
- Orbital opening is large relative to the depth of the preserved cranium.
Fossil Details
Recorded Fossil Sites
No fossil-site occurrences have yet been recorded for this species.
References
- Casier, E. (1966). Faune ichthyologique du London Clay. 496 pp.. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History), London View reference
- Friedman, M.; Beckett, H. T.; Close, R. A.; Johanson, Z. (2016). The English Chalk and London Clay: two remarkable British bony fish Lagerstätten. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 430(1), 165–200. Geological Society of London, London View reference