A fossil jaw discovered on Lavernock Beach in Wales has helped scientists solve a mystery that confused researchers for nearly 200 years. Welsh fossil hunter Jonathan Bow, co-author of the paper, discovered the rare jaw on Lavernock Beach. The specimen contains developing teeth and provides new evidence about fish that lived in the seas around Wales more than 200 million years ago.For generations, fossil teeth discovered in rocks around the Bristol Channel were difficult to identify, with some early scientists believing they belonged to giant amphibians rather than fish. According to Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales), researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru, the University of Bristol and the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart studied the fossil and found that specimens previously grouped under one name actually belonged to two different fish species from the Late Triassic period.
Fossil jaw from Lavernock Beach helps identify two ancient fish species
Jonathan Bow discovered the unusual fossil while searching the shoreline of Lavernock Beach. The specimen was part of a rare jaw containing developing teeth. After its discovery, it was sent to the University of Bristol for further study. Researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru, the University of Bristol and the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart examined the fossil and compared it with specimens held in museum collections across Britain and Europe, according to co-author Professor Mike Benton.Their research showed that fossils previously grouped together under one name belonged to two separate species of fish that lived during the Late Triassic period.
Scientists struggled to identify unusual fossil teeth found near Bristol Channel
Fossil teeth found in rocks around the Bristol Channel had puzzled scientists for nearly two centuries because of their unusual shape. Some early researchers believed the teeth belonged to giant amphibians rather than fish.Cindy Howells, curator of geology at Amgueddfa Cymru, said, “Many teeth from Saurichthys were once mistaken for those of an amphibian, and that misunderstanding continued well into the 20th century. This lovely little jaw caused great confusion when it was first found as it bore no resemblance to any known species.”
First Saurichthys bone found in British Rhaetian after 200 years of study
The fossil provides evidence about fish that inhabited the seas around Wales more than 200 million years ago. Dr David Whiteside, a co-author of the study, said, “These predators lived in a shallow tropical sea filled with small limestone islands. Saurichthys was probably a fast and agile hunter, while Birgeria was larger and more powerful, likely feeding on a wider variety of prey.”Lead researcher Jacob Quinn said, “These rocks were formed during storms more than 200 million years ago, so it is remarkable that such a delicate fossil survived. Although British Triassic fossils have been studied for over 200 years, this is the first bone from Saurichthys ever found in these rocks.”
Rare fossil found on Welsh beach to go on display at National Museum Cardiff
The discovery has demonstrated how further research and comparisons with existing museum collections can help scientists reassess fossils studied for generations. Dr Sam Cooper, a co-author of the study, said, “These fish have a remarkably complicated history. It’s amazing that a single fossil, found by Jonathan Bow during a spring tide, has helped clear up nearly 200 years of confusion.”The fossil was scheduled to go on display at the National Museum Cardiff later this year. The specimen contains developing teeth and provides new evidence about fish that lived in the seas around Wales more than 200 million years ago.
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