Diagnosis |
This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,10, with no prolonged spines; A I,9; pectoral-fin rays 14-15, with 2 upper rays having short free tips; pelvic-fin rays I,5, with fifth ray unbranched or with one bifurcation; pelvic fins are separated and without fraenum; scales absent; head canals absent; suborbital rows of papillae with 4 transversal rows; anterior nostril long tube without process from the rim, posterior nostril short tube, about 1/3 length of anterior nostril; gill opening is restricted to pectoral-fin base; in life body transparent with scattered tiny whitish blue and brownish yellow spots aligned in vertical rows, and the vertical dark bar at the caudal-fin base; predorsal area is mottled with brown; head with dark brown bar extending obliquely from eye to upper lip, and 3 iridescent bluish blotches on cheek; when preserved coloration pattern is mostly lost except dark bar at caudal-fin base (Ref. 94944). |