Series Ostariophysi 379 
bone, and, as observed by Parker, in the interclavicles. There is 
also a superficial resemblance in the dermal bones.’’ But it is 
Fig. 288.— Inner view of 
shoulder-girdle of the 
Buffalo-fish. Ictiobus bu- 
balus Rafinesque, show- 
ing the mesocoracoid 
(59). (After Starks.) 
not likely that any real affinity exists. 
The sturgeons lack the characteristic 
auditory ossicles, or ‘‘Weberian  ap- 
paratus,”’ which the catfishes possess in 
common with the carp family, the Cha- 
racins,and the Gymnonoti. These orders 
must at least have a common origin, 
although this origin is obscure, and fossil 
remains give little help to the solution of 
the problem. Probably the ancestors of 
the Ostartophyst are to be found among 
the allies of the Osteoglosside. Gill has 
called attention to the resemblance of 
Erythrinus to Amia. In any event, all the 
Ostariophyst must be considered together, 
as it is not conceivable that so complex 
a structure as the Weberian apparatus 
should have been more than once independently evolved. 
The branchiostegals, 
numerous among the Jsospondyli, are 
mostly few among the Ostariophyst. 
To the Ostartophysi belong the vast majority of the fresh- 
water fishes of the world. Their primitive structure is shown in 
Fic. 289 —Weberian app. 
aratus and air-bladder of Carp. (From Giinther, 
after Weber.) 
many ways; among others by the large number of vertebra 
instead of the usual twenty-four among the more highly special- 
ized families of fishes. 
| 
We may group the Ostariophyst under 
