POLYPTERINI 



299 



metrical, and the scales are of very different structure. Of all 

 this evidence the presence of paired gulars is the only item 



FIG. 271. 



Median longitudinal section of the brain of Polypterus bichir. (From Kerr, Budgett Mem. 

 Vol.) a.c, anterior commissure ; c, posterior commissure ; cer, cerebellum ; ch, optic chiasma ; 

 d.s, dorsal sac ; fe.c, habenular commissure ; i.g, infundibular gland ; pin, pineal body ; 

 s.v, saccus vasculosus ; t.o, tectum opticum ; v.III, third ventricle; v.IV, fourth ventricle ; 

 vel, velum. 



above suspicion. The preopercular spreading over the cheek 

 resembles that of certain Osteolepidoti (Osteolepis, Eusthenopteron), 

 but is not a character of much importance. The bones of the 

 palate are remarkably like those of the Coelacanths ; and there is 



Fio. 272. 



Larva of Polypterus laprodei, Stein. (After Budgett, Tmns. Zool. Hoc. 

 2, pectoral, 8, pelvic, 4, dorsal, and 5, anal fin. 



6'oc.) 1, external gill ; 



also a resemblance with the latter in the agreement between the 

 lepidotrichia and the radials in the caudal fin, in the shape of 

 the pelvic bones, and in the absence of lateral gulars. On the 

 other hand, many characters point to a closer affinity with the 



