Kalops monophrys

Kalops monophrys is known by over 125 specimens from the Bear Gulch Limestone. K. monophrys is distinguished from its smaller sister species, Kalops diophrys, by having more caudal fin rays, a different number of supraorbital bone rows, and the development of its ganoine ridging at a larger size. The cranial osteology of Kalops most closely resembles that of the poorly known Palaeoniscus and "Elonichthys" serratus. The snout structure is closest to that of the Tarrasiiformes.

For a study of the relationships of these fish, see a relatively recent cladistic character matrix of the lower Actinopterygii.

Reference:

• Poplin, C., & R. Lund. 2002. "Two Carboniferous fine-eyed paleoniscoids (Pisces, Actinopterygii) from Bear Gulch (USA)." Journal of Paleontology 76: 1014-1028.

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