New Fossil Billfish Species Named to Honor Paleontologist Ewan Fordyce

A newly identified species of fossil billfish has been named **Zealandorhynchus fordycei** in honor of the late **Emeritus Professor Ewan Fordyce**, a prominent figure in vertebrate paleontology. Fordyce, who had a distinguished career spanning four decades at the **University of Otago** in New Zealand, passed away in **November 2023**, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire researchers.

The findings were published in the journal **Gondwana Research** and detail the discovery of two exceptionally rare fossil billfish skulls from the early **Eocene epoch**, approximately **50 million years ago**. These fossils were uncovered in **Otago**, New Zealand, an area known for its rich paleontological history. Billfish, which include species such as marlins and swordfish, are characterized by their elongated, spear-like upper jaws used for hunting.

Significance of the Discovery

Lead author **Dr. Seabourne Rust** emphasized the importance of these skulls, stating that they represent early extinct forms of billfish. “The more complete skull belongs to a new genus and species that we have named Zealandorhynchus fordycei, after the late Professor Fordyce,” he explained. The fossils were discovered by study co-author **Morne Wium**, near a site where another fossil fish skull had been found nearly 40 years earlier.

Both skulls are now housed in the **Earth Science New Zealand** National Paleontological Collection. Given their considerable size, they are believed to have belonged to adult billfish, estimated to measure several meters in length. Dr. Rust remarked, “These billfish specimens represent notable additions to a rather sparse Early Eocene fish macrofossil record from New Zealand.”

The discovery suggests that early billfishes had a broader distribution than previously understood, hinting at ancient diversity and a widespread presence in the southern hemisphere during the Eocene. This finding is significant as it challenges earlier assumptions that billfishes were largely confined to northern waters.

Legacy of Ewan Fordyce

Dr. Rust’s academic journey was profoundly influenced by Professor Fordyce, under whom he completed his Master of Science thesis on fossil fish from the **Geology Museum** collections. “Ewan gave so much to his students; his well-illustrated lectures and legendary field trips brought the subject to life,” Dr. Rust reflected. “He was a guiding mentor for me and many other budding paleontologists.”

Professor Fordyce was instrumental in numerous important discoveries during fieldwork in **North Otago** and **Canterbury**, focusing on ancient whales and dolphins. His extensive research has provided valuable insights into the prehistoric life that once thrived in the region.

Dr. Rust and his colleagues felt privileged to honor Fordyce’s memory through the naming of this new fossil billfish species. As they continue to uncover insights from the past, the legacy of Ewan Fordyce lives on, inspiring future generations of paleontologists.

For further details, refer to the research article: Seabourne Rust et al, “Fossil billfish (Xiphioidei) from the Eocene of Hampden, North Otago, New Zealand,” published in **Gondwana Research** (2026).