160 Series Ostariophysi 
bone, and, as observed by Parker, in the interclavicles. There is 
also a superficial resemblance in the dermal bones.” But it is 
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 Gymnonott. These orders 
must at Jeast 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 Ostariophyst are to be found among 
the allies of the Osteoglosside. Gill has 
Fic. 119. —Inner view of Called attention to the resemblance of 
ee. oe Erythrinus to Amia. In any event, all the 
balus Rafinesque, show- Ostarzophyst must be considered together, 
(59). borer aes 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 Isospondyli, are 
mostly few among the Ostariophyst. 
To the Ostartophyst belong the vast majority of the fresh- 
water fishes of the world. Their primitive structure is shown in 
Fig. 120.—Weberian apparatus and air-bladder of Carp. (From Ginther 
after Weber.) é 
many ways; among others by the large number of vertebrz 
instead of the usual twenty-four among the more highly special- 
ized families of fishes. We may group the Ostariophysi under 
