New Fossil Billfish Species Unveiled in Honor of Ewan Fordyce

A new species of fossil billfish has been named Zealandorhynchus fordycei to honor the late Emeritus Professor Ewan Fordyce, a distinguished paleontologist who inspired generations of researchers. The announcement, made on November 10, 2025, highlights the discovery of two large fossil billfish skulls dating back to the early Eocene, approximately 50 million years ago, in Otago, New Zealand.

The research, published in the journal Gondwana Research, reveals that these skulls belong to early extinct forms of billfish, which include well-known species such as marlins and swordfish. Their long, spear-like upper jaws are characteristic of these predatory fish, used effectively to catch prey.

Discovery and Significance

Leading the study, Dr. Seabourne Rust remarked that the more complete skull represents a new genus and species named after Professor Fordyce, who passed away in November 2023. The latest fossil skull was found by co-author Morne Wium near the location of another significant fossil fish skull uncovered nearly four decades ago. Both specimens are now part of the Earth Science New Zealand National Paleontological Collection.

Given their substantial size, these billfish are estimated to have reached several meters in length, suggesting they were adult specimens. “These billfish specimens represent notable additions to a rather sparse Early Eocene fish macrofossil record from New Zealand,” Dr. Rust stated. He emphasized their importance as they indicate an ancient diversity of marine life and a broader distribution of early billfishes than previously understood.

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. Rust, who completed his Master of Science thesis on fossil fish under the mentorship of Professor Fordyce, expressed deep gratitude for Fordyce’s influence. “Ewan gave so much to his students; his well-illustrated lectures and legendary field trips brought the subject to life,” he reflected. “He was a guiding mentor for me and many other budding paleontologists. His work on fossil vertebrates from Southern Zealandia, particularly, has left a significant legacy.”

Professor Fordyce was known for his extensive research on ancient whales and dolphins, with numerous discoveries made during fieldwork in regions like North Otago and Canterbury. Dr. Rust concluded, “My colleagues and I felt very privileged to honor Ewan’s memory by naming our new fossil billfish taxon after him.”

For more details on this remarkable discovery, refer to the article “Fossil billfish (Xiphioidei) from the Eocene of Hampden, North Otago, New Zealand” published by Dr. Rust and colleagues in Gondwana Research. The study underscores not only a significant scientific achievement but also a tribute to a revered figure in the field of paleontology.