An introduction to the study of fishesGünther, Albert C. L. G. (Albert Carl Ludwig Gotthilf)
Science
An introduction to the study of fishes
Günther, Albert C. L. G. (Albert Carl Ludwig Gotthilf)
Fishes; Ichthyology
Neural and hæmal elements and ribs are well developed. In _Ceratodus_
each neurapophysis consists of a basal cartilaginous portion, forming
an arch over the myelon, and of a superadded second portion. The
latter is separated from the former by a distinct line of demarcation,
and its two branches are more styliform, cartilaginous at the ends
and in the centre, but with an osseous sheath, and coalesced at the
top, forming a gable over an elastic fibrous band which runs along
and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column (_Ligamentum
longitudinale superius_). To the top of this gable is joined a single
long cylindrical neural spine. From the eleventh apophyseal segment a
distinct interneural spine, of the same structure as the neural, begins
to be developed, and farther on a second interneural is superadded.
Towards the extremity of the column these various pieces are gradually
reduced in size and number, finally only a low cartilaginous band (the
rudiments of the neurapophysis) remaining. The _hæmapophyses_ are in
form, size, and structure, very similar to the neurapophyses; and all
these long bones, including the ribs, have that in common, that they
consist of a solid rod of cartilage enclosed in a bony sheath, which,
after the disappearance or decomposition of the cartilage, appears as
a hollow tube. Such bones are extremely common throughout the order of
Ganoids, and their remains have led to the designation of a family as
_Cœlacanthi_ (κοιλος, hollow; and ἀκανθος, spine).
The primordial _cranium_ of the _Dipnoi_ is cartilaginous, but with
more or less extensive ossifications in its occipital, basal, or
lateral portions, and with large tegumentary bones, the arrangement
of which varies in the different genera. There is no separate
suspensorium for the lower jaw. A strong process descends from the
cranial cartilage, and offers by means of a double condyle (Fig. 35
_s_) attachment to corresponding articulary surfaces of the lower
jaw. Maxillary and intermaxillary elements are not developed, but,
perhaps, represented in _Ceratodus_ by some inconstant rudimentary
labial cartilages situated behind the posterior nasal opening.
Facial cartilages and an infraorbital ring are developed at least
in _Ceratodus_. The presence of a pair of small teeth in front
indicates the vomerine portion (_v_) which remains cartilage, whilst
the posterior pair of teeth are implanted in a pterygo-palatine
ossification (_l_), which sometimes is paired, sometimes continuous.
The base of the skull is constantly covered by a large basal
ossification (_o_).
[Illustration: Fig. 35.--Palatal view of Skull of Ceratodus.]
The _hyoid_ is well developed, sometimes reduced to a pair of
ceratohyals, sometimes with a basihyal and glossyhyal. The skeleton of
the _branchial apparatus_ approaches the Teleosteous type, less so in
_Lepidosiren_ than in _Ceratodus_, in which five branchial arches are
developed, but with the lateral and mesial pieces reduced in number.
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