235 
From the fact that these granulations appear on each of the specimens 
one is led to infer that only the outer layer is preserved. In one of the 
fossils the granules show the broad bases, indicative of the presence of 
spinous tubercles. 
A comparison of the present specimen with scales of the living 
Neoceratodus forsteri shows cur Jurassic example to have certain distinct 
characters of its own, both as to its superficial structure and the general 
shape of the scale. There is, however, a striking general resemblance to 
that of the scale of the living form, greater than one would expect from 
a specimen differing so widely in age. 
Dimensions — 
Length from base to point, 59 mm. 
Extreme-width at its exposed base, 58.25 mm. 
Width of border marked by parallel series of ridges, about 13 mm. 
Remarks. —The matrix in which this scale was embedded affords some 
interesting data as to the conditions of existence of Ceratodus in Jurassic 
times. The sandstone is finely laminated, and was probably laid down in 
large freshwater lakes or partially land-locked estuaries. The associated 
vegetable remains on the same slab are of importance as showing the con¬ 
temporaneity of the rhizomato-us plant Tceniopteris spatulata , var. Daintreei , 
whose leaves are abundantly distributed through the rock; whilst there is 
also- present a coniferous branch, probably referable to Palissya australis , 
McCoy. In the case of the recent fish we find its habit is to feed greedily 
upon .the leaves of water plants which are in a decomposing state; and 
it does not require one to trespass far into the field of imagination to 
suppose that drifted masses of Taniopteris may have furnished the Jurassic 
Ceratodus with its principal pabulum, intermixed with - small aquatic 
animals associated with the vegetable debris. A comparison of Queensland 
specimens of Neoceratodus scales in the National Museum collection shows 
the dimensions of this scale to indicate a fish of about 1 metre in length. 
Carboniferous Sandstone with Fish-Remains, Parish of Barwite, 
Allot. 298. Collected by Mr. A. M. Howitt. Nos. 1941-2022. 
These specimens are characteristic of the Mansfield Carboniferous fish- 
fauna, and in some instances their structure is particularly well preserved. 
This is especially the case with the teeth and scales of Strepsodus decipiens , 
A. S. Woodward. 
Gyracanthides murrayi, A. S. W. 
Pelvic fin-spines.—Nos. 1941, 1945, 1946, 1949, 1952, 1963, 1972, 
1 975 ’ T 917 , ! 97 8 > * 9 8 5 > I 9 8 9 > J 99 L 1 99 6 , 1 99 8 > 2000 > 2 °° 3 > 2 °° 4 > 2009, 
2020-2022. 
Pectoral fin-spines.—Nos. (?) 1954, (?) 1970, (?) 1971, 1990. 
Anterior free pectoral spines.—Nos. 1958, 2017, 2020. 
Posterior free pectoral spines.—Nos. 1947, 1962, 1966, 1968, (?) 1992, 
1994, 1997, 2001. 
Plate connected with free pectoral spine.—No. 1964. 
Fragmentary remains.—Nos. 1965, 1969, (?) 1984 
Strepsodus decipiens , A. S W. 
Teeth.—Nos. 1942, 1955 (the slab on which this occurs is part of a 
ripple-marked layer of sandstone), 1957, 1959? i960, 1980, 2010, 2016. 
Scales.—Nos. 1942, 1944, 1948, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1963, 1966, 1967. 
1973, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1982, (?) 1983, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1999, 
2002, 2013-2015, 2018. 
