Bramoides brieni
Bramoides brieni
Summary
Bramoides brieni is an enigmatic acanthomorph known from a three-dimensional neurocranium from the London Clay. Its most striking feature is a high median keel along the skull roof, giving the head a strongly reinforced dorsal profile. Because the species is based primarily on the braincase, its jaws, dentition and complete body plan are insufficiently known for a confident reconstruction of diet or swimming style.
It is therefore better understood as evidence for an unusual early Eocene acanthomorph body plan than as an ecologically well-known fish. Suggestions about feeding based on additional material historically referred to the species should be treated cautiously because not all such assignments are secure.
Quick Identification
Look for: a compact acanthomorph neurocranium dominated by a tall, robust median dorsal keel; the keel rises sharply above the surrounding skull roof and is the most conspicuous feature of the type material.
Diagnostic Features
- Neurocranium carries a high, thick median dorsal crest or keel.
- Keel extends longitudinally along much of the preserved dorsal skull roof.
- Braincase is compact and deep relative to its length.
- Orbital margins are strongly ossified and sharply defined on the sides of the neurocranium.
- Posterior skull roof broadens around the base of the median keel.
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