Main Ref. | Randall, J.E., 1980 |
Appearance refers to | |
Bones in OsteoBase |
Specialized organs | |
Different appearance | always different morphology between mature adults |
Different colors | |
Remarks |
Striking features | |
Body shape lateral | fusiform / normal |
Cross section | compressed |
Dorsal head profile | more or less straight |
Type of eyes | more or less normal |
Type of mouth/snout | more or less normal |
Position of mouth | terminal |
Type of scales | cycloid scales |
Diagnosis |
Young green when in seagrasses and greenish brown on reefs. Recognized by the unusual color patterns on the cheek or the black spotted scales over the back (Ref. 48636). Preserved male specimens with pale spots on scales; dark spot behind eye (continuous with a bifurcating dark band which extends ventrally); another on opercle; a dark band on snout from upper lip to eye; head with bands; spot on upper caudal base may be present or absent (present in females). Anterior lateral line scales with 1-3 pores (usually 2); 5-6 suborbital pores. Anterior dorsal and anal soft rays longer than posterior rays; pelvic fins of males relatively short, not reaching anus. |
Ease of Identification |
Lateral Lines | 1 Interrupted: No |
Scales on lateral line | 28 - 28 |
Pored lateral line scales | |
Scales in lateral series | |
Scale rows above lateral line | |
Scale rows below lateral line | |
Scales around caudal peduncle | |
Barbels | 0 |
Gill clefts (sharks/rays only) | |
Gill rakers | |
on lower limb | |
on upper limb | |
total | 17 - 19 |
Vertebrae | |
preanal | |
total | 25 - 25 |
Attributes | extending over most of the back length |
Fins number | 1 |
Finlets No. | Dorsal |
Ventral | |
Spines total | 9 - 9 |
Soft-rays total | 11 - 12 |
Adipose fin | absent |
Attributes | more or less truncate; more or less normal |
Fins number | 1 |
Spines total | 3 - 3 |
Soft-rays total | 11 - 12 |
Pectoral | Attributes more or less normal |
Spines 0 | |
Soft-rays 14 - 14 | |
Pelvics | Attributes more or less normal |
Position thoracic behind origin of D1 | |
Spines 1 | |
Soft-rays 5 - 5 |