A possible angler fish from the Late Jurassic of Dorset

The discovery of a lower jaw of a new species of fish from the 157-152 million year old Kimmeridge Clay Formation has revealed some interesting new features.

The jaw is hook-shaped and suggests that the fish would have had a very large gape. It also has three rows of teeth on the jaw rather than the more normal single row. These features are similar to those seen in a modern angler fish. Perhaps this fossil specimen sat quietly on the see floor with its mouth wide open and ready to snap shut on any unsuspecting prey.

Watch the full story by clicking on the You Tube video link above where this discovery is discussed in more detail.

The Etches Collection Museum is located in Kimmeridge, Dorset on the World Heritage Coast and contains a nationally accredited and designated collection of over 2500 fossils from the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation. The collection provides a major resource for education and research as well as being a major tourist attraction.