Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 113, May 2014, pp. 1-26. | Page 4

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The generic and specific diagnoses are based primarily on small specimens and it
is possible that when more complete large individuals are found they will have
to be revised. Some features such as the lack of ornament and the weak
development of the squamosal may be juvenile features. However, there remains
the possibility that the small and large individuals represent different taxa. The
restoration provided is based on small individuals. Some remarks are therefore
necessary (Forey 1997/1998).
Woodward (1942) erected the species solely on the holotype (AUB 108935)
which, based on proportions of the complete smaller specimens, must have been
a fish of about 30 cm. Another large, but disarticulated tail (MNHN HDJ-73-22) is
known, again probably from a comparable-sized fish. The remaining specimens,
although articulated, are much smaller (< 10 cm SL) and there are differences in
certain features between them and the holotype. The scales of the small
individuals are more delicately ornamented or lack ornament completely, and
the rays of D1 lack expanded tips (a feature considered diagnostic by
Woodward). A number of features suggest that the small specimens are juvenile:
the endochondral fin supports and pelvic girdle are lightly ossified; the scales are
very thin and carry little ornamentation. All these features are seen in young
Rhabdoderma exiguum and in Coccoderma nudum which also are thought to be
juvenile forms (Forey 1997/1998).
Gaudant (1975) was also unsure whether the small specimens were juvenile
Macropomoides orientalis or separate species. She further recognized two forms of
small individuals which she called ‘coelacanthe B’ (two specimens) and
‘coelacanthe C’ (one specimen). The differences between them were alleged to be
the slightly more anterior placement of the pelvic bone relative to the pectoral
lobe and the dorsal fin in ‘B’ than in ’C’ and the fact that form ‘B’ showed scales
with a small central spine-like denticle (in large specimens the scale ornament
consists of a spine-like central denticle flanked by many small denticles) (Forey
1997/1998).

species

Macropomoides orientalis

Woodward, 1942

†

kingdom Animalia - animals » phylum Chordata chordates » class Sarcopterygii » order Coelacanthiformes coelacanth » family Latimeriidae - coelacanths
Temporal range:

Upper Cretaceous

The fossil specimens of the coelacanth fish Macropomoides orientalis Woodward, 1942 from
the Upper Cretaceous (Middle Cenomanian) originate from the Hakel and Hajula sites in
Lebanon.
Author: Dr. Norman Ali Khalaf-von Jaffa

BioLib. Biological Library. http://www.biolib.cz/en/taxon/id1075888/
Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin – Number 113 – May 2014