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Welsh fossil hunter Jonathan Bow was searching the shoreline when he spotted an unusual fossil. This turned out to be part of a rare fossil jaw containing developing teeth. The find has since helped solve a mystery that has puzzled scientists for nearly 200 years.

For generations, fossil teeth found in rocks around the Bristol Channel were difficult to identify. Because of their unusual shape, some early scientists even believed they belonged to giant amphibians rather than fish.

Cindy Howells, Curator of Geology at Amgueddfa Cymru, said:

"Many teeth from Saurichthys were once mistaken for those of an amphibian, and that misunderstanding continued well into the 20th century.

This lovely little jaw caused great confusion when it was first found as it bore no resemblance to any known species."

Researchers from Amgueddfa Cymru, the University of Bristol and the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart worked together to study the fossil. Their research showed that fossils that had previously been grouped together under one name actually belonged to two different species of fish that lived during the Late Triassic period.

After it was discovered, the fossil was sent to the University of Bristol for further study.

Jacob Quinn, lead researcher, said:

"These rocks were formed during storms more than 200 million years ago, so it is remarkable that such a delicate fossil survived. Although British Triassic fossils have been studied for over 200 years, this is the first bone from Saurichthys ever found in these rocks."

The discovery has led to a scientific paper being published, sharing the team's findings.

Professor Mike Benton, a co-author of the study, said:

This delicate fossilised jaw has now been compared with specimens in museum collections across Britain and Europe to provide clear evidence that fossils originally thought to belong to the same fish actually came from two separate species.

Dr David Whiteside, another co-author, said:

"These predators lived in a shallow tropical sea filled with small limestone islands. Saurichthys was probably a fast and agile hunter, while Birgeria was larger and more powerful, likely feeding on a wider variety of prey."

Co-author Dr Sam Cooper added:

"These fish have a remarkably complicated history. It's amazing that a single fossil, found by Jonathan Bow during a spring tide, has helped clear up nearly 200 years of confusion."

The discovery also highlights how modern technology and fresh research can help museums learn more from fossils that have been collected and studied for generations.

The fossil will go on display at National Museum Cardiff later this year.

Cindy Howells added:

"Being able to share this incredible discovery with the public will capture people's imagination and hopefully inspire the next generation of fossil hunters to explore the amazing finds that can be discovered along Wales' coastline."

ENDS

Notes to editors