Fossil Bony Fish Vertebra London Clay Eocene Bawdsey Suffolk UK Marine Specimen

Fossil Bony Fish Vertebra – London Clay Formation, Eocene Epoch, Bawdsey, Suffolk, UK

This authentic Fossil Bony Fish Vertebra comes from the celebrated London Clay Formation at Bawdsey, Suffolk, a classic British fossil locality renowned for its exceptional preservation of early Cenozoic marine life. Dating to the Eocene Epoch (approx. 56–47 million years ago), this vertebra represents the remains of a prehistoric bony fish that swam in the warm subtropical seas covering much of southern and eastern England during this period. The specimen you receive will match the quality shown in the listing photos, with a 1 cm scale cube provided to show accurate sizing. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Formation

The London Clay Formation belongs to the Ypresian Stage of the Lower Eocene, a time immediately following the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum. This global warm period produced tropical to subtropical climates, fostering thriving marine ecosystems rich in biodiversity.

The seas over what is now Suffolk were:

• Warm and nutrient-rich

• Home to abundant fish, sharks, rays, crustaceans, molluscs, and marine reptiles

• Low-energy marine basins, ideal for preserving delicate skeletal structures

• Fed by river systems delivering organic material from early Eocene forests

Formed within deep offshore mud deposits, the London Clay is made up of fine-grained, dark, organic-rich sediments that promote exceptional fossil preservation.

Fossil Type, Species, and Classification

Fossil Type

• Bony Fish (Teleost) Vertebra, representing the axial skeleton of a prehistoric ray-finned fish.

Taxonomic Notes

While isolated vertebrae are difficult to assign to a specific species, the London Clay yields material from several well-known teleost families, including:

• Clupeiformes (herrings)

• Perciformes (perch-like fishes)

• Elopiformes (tarpon-like fishes)

• Aulopiformes (lizardfish relatives)

These groups formed an essential part of the Eocene marine food chain.

Morphological Features

Each vertebra typically displays:

• A well-preserved spool-shaped centrum, characteristic of teleost fish

• Concave anterior and posterior articulation surfaces

• Radial grooves and striations, marking muscle and ligament attachment points

• A central neural canal opening, where the spinal cord once passed

• Strong mineralisation, giving the fossil weight and durability

• Fine bone texture, preserved due to the anoxic nature of London Clay deposits

These features make the vertebra easily identifiable and scientifically valuable.

Depositional Environment

The fossil-bearing sediments at Bawdsey formed in:

• Quiet offshore marine settings with minimal current disturbance

• Anoxic bottom waters, slowing organic decay

• Deep mud layers that protected bones from scavengers and erosion

• Warm, subtropical waters, rich in fish and planktonic life

This combination of conditions created one of the world’s most important early Eocene fossil environments.

Scientific Importance

London Clay fish fossils, including vertebrae, help paleontologists understand:

• The early evolution of modern teleost groups

• Marine biodiversity during the Eocene warm period

• Post-extinction faunal recovery following the Paleocene–Eocene boundary

• Paleoenvironmental conditions in ancient British seas

Even isolated vertebrae provide insights into species diversity, size estimates, muscle attachment, and swimming mechanics.

Collector Grade and Display Value

This specimen has been selected for:

• Excellent anatomical preservation

• Strong structural definition

• Natural coloration typical of London Clay fossils

• Compact size ideal for display, study, or educational use

• High geological and historical value

Despite their modest proportions, vertebrae from this formation are prized for their clarity and scientific relevance.

Ideal for Collectors, Students, Teachers, and Enthusiasts

This Fossil Bony Fish Vertebra from the London Clay of Bawdsey is an excellent addition to any fossil collection, whether you are a beginner or seasoned collector. Its age, provenance, and outstanding preservation make it a meaningful piece of British natural history, perfect for study, display, or educational demonstrations.