A new Mesozoic coelacanth from Brazil (Sarcopterygii, Actinistia)

Abstract

A new genus and species of coelacanth, Parnaibaia maranhaoensis gen. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of four specimens from the Pastos Bons Formation in Maranhao, Brazil. This new genus and species differs from other genera of the family Mawsoniidae by having a stout median ridge on the scales, six free extrascapulars, seven elements in the supraorbital-tectal series and absence of large teeth. P. maranhaoensis bridges the gap between the Triassic Chinlea and Cretaceous Mawsonia and Axelrodichthys.