AMIOIDET. 



181 



the arches into the notochordal sheath. Fulcra present or absent. 

 Branch iostegal rays flattened ; a median jugular plate. Teeth 

 pointed, conical. From the Lias onwards. 



This order, which is close to the Lepidostei, contains the 

 single living genus Amia. It approaches more closely to the 

 Teleostei than any other ganoid fish, but it differs from them 



pynz. 



Fia. 109. — Mefodon niacropteriis, restored, with cheek-plates removed, two-thirds 

 natural size, Uppor Juras^;;c (after Smith Woodward), /r frontal, meth mesethmoid, 

 md mandible, op operculum, orb orbit, p.op preoperculura, pa parietal, pmx 

 premaxiila, socc 3upraoc!-ipital, sg squamosjil, v vomer. (The caadcl region is 

 destitute of scales in this fish.) 



in important features of the urinogenital organs and structure 

 of the heart, and alimentary canal. 



Fam. 1. Pachycormidae. Extinct. Ethmoid region more or less 

 produced in front of the mouth ; vertebral column variable as in the 

 order. Fulcra present, branchiostegal rays nimaerous. Lias to Lower 

 Cretaceous. Pachycormus Ag., Euthynotua Wagn., Hypsocormus Wagn. 



Fam. 2. Amiidae. Vertebral column ossified with complete amphi- 

 coelous vertebrae. The caudal region consisting of vertically divided 



