26 OSTEOLOGY OP SCOMBROID FISHES 



bones are entirely absent. The hyoid and branchial arches differ in 

 no way from those of Lepidopus. 



There are 39 abnormal vertebrae, and 100 caudal vertebrae may be 

 counted to where the tail tapers to so fine a point as to make counting 

 difficult. The vertebrae are much shorter than in Lepidopus, and in 

 consequence the neural and interneural bones are at shorter intervals 

 and with shorter arms between the fin rays. The lateral ridge along 

 the vertebral column is much higher and sharper, the anal is repre- 

 sented by very small sharp spines, there are no swollen interneurals, 

 and the tail tapers to a point without a hypural bone or caudal fin. 

 Otherwise the vertebral column and fin elements are nearly identical 

 with those of Lepidopus. 



