olated scales are numerous, but patches of
scales are rare. Only two specimens (K. U. nos. 786F, 787F) are complete
enough for scale counts, but preservation permits only partial counts.
In general the scales resemble those of _Rhabdoderma elegans_
(Newberry).

The scales are oval. The exposed posterior part of each bears
posteriorly converging ridges; the anterior part is widest and shows a
fine fibrillar structure. There are at least six scale-rows on either
side of the lateral line. Lateral line scales show no pores, and except
for slight irregularities in the orientation and length of the posterior
ridges, closely resemble the others. Central ridges on the lateral line
scales are shorter and tend to diverge from the center of the impression
of the canal. The lateral line canal shows only as the impression of a
continuous canal 0.7 mm. in diameter. Preservation is poorest in scales
along the line of the neural and haemal arches; therefore lateral line
scales are rarely preserved. Isolated scales are of two types: those on
which the posterior ridges converge sharply and form the gothic arch
configuration mentioned by Hibbard (1933:282), and those which do not.
Both types of scales can be present on one fish, as shown by specimen
no. 788. This is not apparent on nos. 786F and 787F; all of the scales
on these specimens appear to be much alike. Both Moy-Thomas (1937:385)
and Schaeffer (1952:51, 52) have remarked on the variation of the scales
on different parts of the same fish. Because the number of ridges and
amount of convergence of the ridges is not related to size of the scale,
it is concluded that these characters are not of taxonomic significance.

The strong resemblance of the scales of the Garnett specimens to those
of _Rhabdoderma elegans_ (Newberry) caused Moy-Thomas (1937:399) to add
Hibbard's two species to the synonymy of _R. elegans_. But at that time
only the scales could be adequately described. If the shape of the scale
and the number and pattern of ridges can vary with age, size and shape
of the scale, it follows that assignment of isolated scales to a species
should not be attempted. Assignment to genus should be made only with
caution.

_Discussion._--The relationship of _Synaptotylus_ to other coelacanths
is obscure at present. The knoblike antotic processes on the
basisphenoid are unlike those of any other known coelacanth. The
palatoquadrate complex is shaped like that of _Rhabdoderma elegans_ b