82 



ELOPIFORM FISHES 



soc 



exo 



fuv 



par 



Fig. 42. Promegalops sheppeyenis Casier. Neurocranium in posterior view. 



From holotype. 



posteriorly placed coronoid process, and the unexpanded post-temporal. Diag- 

 nostic features include the wide frontals, small nasals, and the presence of a large 

 foramen (or foramina in P. sheppeyensis) at the base of the dilatator fossa. 



In short, Promegalops probably evolved from a form resembling Protarpon and 

 could be ancestral to Megalops, from which it is known to differ only in the wide 

 frontals, partially roofed dilatator fossa, the single depression in the otic region 

 receiving the swimbladder diverticulum, the unexpanded post-temporal and the 

 shallow lower jaw. 



Genus ELOPOIDES Wenz, 1965 



Diagnosis (emended). Megalopid fish in which the head is almost as deep as 

 long. Neurocranial roof moderately convex above the otic region. Parietals 

 slightly broader than long. Dermal cranial bones coarsely ornamented with rugae. 

 Orbit large, the diameter exceeding the preorbital distance. Maxilla extending 

 behind the eye. Depth of the operculum exceeding twice its maximum width. 

 Scales large, with seven to eight anterior (basal) radii. 



Type and only species. Elopoides tomassoni Wenz. 



