Gogonasus andrewsae (Long 1985, Long et al. 1997; Late Devonian, 380 mya; NMV P221807; 30-40cm in length) is the best preserved specimen of its type. This is the crossopterygian transitional between rhizodontids, coelocanths and higher tetrapodomorphs. The maxilla splits in two creating the tetrapod quadratojugal. The squamosal splits in two creating the tetrapodomorph preopercular. A pineal opening appears, so does the tetrapodomorph choana. The lacrimal contacts the external naris.
This is the crossopterygian that gave rise to tetrapodomorphs and tetrapods and rhizodontids. |
