Argilloberyx prestwichae
Argilloberyx prestwichae
Summary
Argilloberyx prestwichae was a beryciform teleost from the London Clay sea. The skull narrows strongly toward the snout and carries a wide mouth armed with fine teeth, a combination consistent with a predator taking small fishes or mobile invertebrates. This feeding interpretation is based on cranial and dental anatomy; direct dietary evidence is not known.
Beryciform fishes were an important component of early Cenozoic marine faunas, and Argilloberyx adds to that diversity. It is chiefly known from three-dimensional cranial fossils, so the head is much better documented than the body. The tapered facial region and broad gape give the animal a recognisable feeding architecture even though its complete silhouette remains uncertain.
Quick Identification
Look for: a beryciform skull that narrows conspicuously in front of the orbits, with a broad gape and rows of very fine pointed teeth; the anterior cranium forms a much slimmer snout than the posterior skull.
Diagnostic Features
- Nasal and preorbital region narrows strongly toward the snout.
- Mouth opening is broad relative to the width of the anterior cranium.
- Jaw teeth are numerous, fine and closely spaced rather than large and isolated.
- Posterior skull is appreciably broader than the snout region.
- Cranial bones are relatively thin and finely sculptured compared with the heavy dentition of crushing fishes.
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