. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Geology Supplement. FOSSIL AND RECENT 77 SOC. fahm exo 15mm Fig. 40. Protarpon cf. priscus. Neurocranium, posterior view of dorsal third. From Appendix to Protarpon priscus was considered to be Megalops priscus by Woodward (1901: 26, pi. 3, fig. 6) and Casier (1966: 118). This specimen consists of the rear part of a neurocranium and although incomplete, it differs somewhat from the typical P. priscus. In dorsal view not only is the skull roof relatively wider at the sphenotic level, but the widest point of the
. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Geology Supplement. FOSSIL AND RECENT 77 SOC. fahm exo 15mm Fig. 40. Protarpon cf. priscus. Neurocranium, posterior view of dorsal third. From Appendix to Protarpon priscus was considered to be Megalops priscus by Woodward (1901: 26, pi. 3, fig. 6) and Casier (1966: 118). This specimen consists of the rear part of a neurocranium and although incomplete, it differs somewhat from the typical P. priscus. In dorsal view not only is the skull roof relatively wider at the sphenotic level, but the widest point of the neurocranium occurs towards the posterior end of the hyomandibular facet, and not, as in P. priscus, at the sphenotic level. The parietals are relatively smaller and exhibit a characteristic ' waisted ' appearance. In posterior view the openings of the post-temporal fossae are circular and not vertically elongated as in P. priscus. Laterally the neurocranium (Woodward 1901 : pi. 3 fig. 6) shows a large, deep dilatator fossa containing a large foramen which probably communicated with the post-temporal fossa. The hyomandibular facet is divided into anterior and posterior oval depressions, linked by an extremely narrow ledge of bone. Finally, the sub- temporal fossa appears slightly smaller in area, resembling that of Megalops. The points mentioned are at variance with the neurocranial details seen in the (admittedly few) specimens of P. priscus and appear sufficient to remove this speci- men () from P. priscus. However, apart from the neurocranium nothing else is known about this form and in consequence it would not be justifiable to erect a new species for it. Pending a better knowledge of the ontogenetic and individual variation of P. priscus (which could only be gained by more specimens) and/or more complete material of forms like , it seems best to regard this specimen as a form very much like P. priscus but possibly representing a different Please note
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