A new species of fossil billfish, named Zealandorhynchus fordycei, has been identified to honor the legacy of the late Emeritus Professor Ewan Fordyce, a prominent paleontologist who inspired generations at the University of Otago. The announcement comes following the publication of a research paper in the journal Gondwana Research detailing the discovery of two rare fossil skulls dating back to the early Eocene, approximately 50 million years ago, in North Otago, New Zealand.
The research team, led by Dr. Seabourne Rust, indicates that these fossil skulls represent early forms of billfish, a group of large predatory fish that includes marlins and swordfish. According to Dr. Rust, the more complete skull belongs to a new genus and species, thus the naming of Zealandorhynchus fordycei in tribute to Professor Fordyce, who passed away in November 2023.
Significance of the Discovery
The fossil skulls were discovered near the site of an earlier find nearly four decades ago, highlighting the ongoing significance of paleontological research in the region. Both skulls are now part of the Earth Science New Zealand National Paleontological Collection. Due to their substantial size, they are believed to have belonged to adult billfish, estimated to measure several meters in length.
Dr. Rust noted that these specimens are important additions to the sparse Early Eocene fish fossil record from New Zealand. He stated, “They hint at ancient diversity and widespread southern distribution reached by early billfishes during the Eocene—this is very significant as previously known distribution was considered to be nearly exclusive to the northern hemisphere.”
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Rust’s academic journey was deeply influenced by Professor Fordyce. After completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Otago, he conducted his Master of Science thesis on fossil fish collections under Fordyce’s mentorship from 1997 to 2000. Dr. Rust reflected on Fordyce’s commitment to education, saying, “Ewan gave so much to his students; his well-illustrated lectures and legendary field trips brought the subject to life.”
Fordyce’s contributions to the understanding of fossil vertebrates, especially from Southern Zealandia, have left a profound impact on the field. His work led to many discoveries during fieldwork in areas such as North Otago and Canterbury, where significant fossil remains of ancient whales and dolphins were recovered.
Dr. Rust expressed the team’s privilege in naming the new fossil billfish species after Fordyce: “My colleagues and I felt very privileged to honor Ewan’s memory by naming our new fossil billfish taxon after him.”
The discovery not only sheds light on the ancient marine life that once thrived in New Zealand but also serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Professor Ewan Fordyce in the realm of paleontology. For further details, the research paper can be accessed in Gondwana Research under the title “Fossil billfish (Xiphioidei) from the Eocene of Hampden, North Otago, New Zealand.”
