New Fossil Billfish Species Named After Influential Paleontologist

A new species of fossil billfish has been named to honor the late Emeritus Professor Ewan Fordyce, a distinguished vertebrate paleontologist whose work significantly influenced the field. The species, named Zealandorhynchus fordycei, recognizes Professor Fordyce’s contributions during his remarkable 40-year tenure at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Professor Fordyce, who passed away in November 2023, is celebrated for inspiring generations of young researchers. A recent publication in the journal Gondwana Research details the discovery of two well-preserved fossil billfish skulls from the early Eocene period, approximately 50 million years ago, uncovered in Otago.

Key Discoveries Enhance Paleontological Record

The lead author of the study, Dr. Seabourne Rust, explains that the skulls represent early extinct forms of billfish, a group of large predatory fish including marlins and swordfish. Notably, the more complete skull belongs to a new genus and species, leading to the naming of Zealandorhynchus fordycei in tribute to Professor Fordyce.

The latest fossil skull was discovered by co-author Morne Wium, near the site of a previous fossil fish skull found nearly four decades earlier. Both specimens are currently housed in the Earth Science New Zealand National Paleontological Collection. Their considerable size suggests they originated from adult billfish, estimated to reach several meters in length.

Dr. Rust remarks, “These billfish specimens represent notable additions to a rather sparse Early Eocene fish macrofossil record from New Zealand. They hint at ancient diversity and the widespread southern distribution reached by early billfishes during the Eocene, which is significant given that previously known distribution was considered nearly exclusive to the northern hemisphere.”

Honoring a Legacy in Paleontology

Dr. Rust’s academic journey began at the University of Otago, where he completed his Master of Science thesis on fossil fish collections under Professor Fordyce’s guidance from 1997 to 2000. Reflecting on his mentor, Dr. Rust states, “Ewan gave so much to his students. His well-illustrated lectures and legendary field trips brought the subject to life.”

Professor Fordyce’s legacy is marked by numerous discoveries during fieldwork in North Otago and Canterbury, particularly in the recovery of ancient whales and dolphins. His extensive efforts in fossil preparation provided invaluable insights into prehistoric marine life in the region.

“My colleagues and I felt very privileged to honor Ewan’s memory by naming our new fossil billfish taxon after him,” Dr. Rust adds, emphasizing the impact Professor Fordyce had on his students and the field of paleontology.

The full findings are documented in the article titled “Fossil billfish (Xiphioidei) from the Eocene of Hampden, North Otago, New Zealand,” published in Gondwana Research in 2026.