Fig. 87. Stenopterygius longipes (SMNS 3145), complete skeleton. Scale equals 100 mm.
preflexural vertebral count of 71. This unprecedented feature
raises the distinct possibility that the referred specimen
(SMNS 3145 - “B12” of McGowan [1979B]), from
which most of the data were gathered, was altered during
preparation. Maisch (1998B) had no doubt that this feature
is an artifact. The forefin figured by Quenstedt (1885: pi.
15, fig. 12) depicts a remarkably long slender fin, with at
least 30 elements in the longest of the three digits. It is
possible that the fin has been modified, but this could only
be verified by locating Quenstedt’s (1885) specimen and
conducting a careful examination.
Fig. 88. Stenopterygius macrophasma (SMNS 16811). A) complete skeleton, with carbonaceous outline of body (only one forefin
shown). B) skull. Scales equal 500 mm and 100 mm, respectively.
Fig. 89. Stenopterygius cuneiceps (NMC 8161). A) complete skeleton. B) skull. Scales equal 500 and 100 mm, respectively.
Stenopterygius macrophasma McGowan, 1979B
Fig. 88
Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Quenstedt); Hauff, 1953: pi.
9b
Stenopterygius macrophasma McGowan, 1979B: 112
Stenopterygius quadriscissus; Godefroit, 1994: 43
Stenopterygius quadriscissus; Maisch, 1998B: 406
Holotype: SMNS 16811, a complete skeleton, with the
body outline preserved as a carbonaceous film (Fig. 88).
Diagnosis: Teeth numerous with no tendency toward reduction
in size or number. Skull small for size of body.
Presacral vertebrae <45; preflexural vertebra <80. Orbit
large, orbital ratio probably >0.22; snout not markedly
long, snout ratio probably <0.64; premaxillary ratio <0.42.
Forefin not elongated, aspect ratio <2.7. Moderate sized,
total length <3.5 m; skull length <650 mm and may be <500
mm.
Occurrence: Holzmaden, Germany.
Stratigraphic range: Upper Lias; Lower Jurassic (Toar-
cian).
Remarks: The holotype has a total length of 3 m, and
mandibular length of 5 1 5 mm, and is therefore fairly large.
Godefroit’s (1 9 9 4 :4 3 ) contention that it should be referred
to Stenopterygius quadriscissus is difficult to reconcile with
the fact that tooth reduction is w e ll marked in that species
in individuals w ith a mandibular length exceeding 400 mm
(McGowan, 1979B: 103). Maisch (1998B), who recognized
that teeth were nearly o r completely reduced in adult
specimens o f S. quadriscissus, also synonymized S. macrophasma
w ith that species, w itho u t giving reasons.
Stenopterygius cuneiceps McGowan, 1979b
Fig. 89; Pis. 14-15
Stenopterygius quadriscissus; W iman, 1 9 2 1 :1 9 [partim], pi. 5
(upper)
Stenopterygius cuneiceps McGowan, 1979B: 114
Stenopterygius quadriscissus; Godefroit, 1994: 43
Stenopterygius megalorhinus; Maisch, 1998B: 410
Holotype: NMC 8161, a complete skeleton.
Diagnosis: Teeth numerous and of moderate size, tending
towards being small. Snout abbreviated, snout ratio <0.66;
orbit not large, orbital ratio <0.22. Presacral vertebrae usually
>0.45; preflexural vertebrae <82. Forefin long and
narrow, aspect ratio >2.7. Tend to be large, total length >3
m and possibly exceeding 3.5 m; skull length >500 mm and
often >650 mm.
Occurrence: Holzmaden and vicinity, southern Germany.