Black Durgeon

Melichthys niger (Bloch)

A 2β is more exposed posterodorsally, and A 2γ is more obviously bipinnate. The hyomandibular crest is somewhat larger, with the result that there is more of the levator arcus palatini visible laterally.

The cutaneous portion of the protractor hyoidei is much better developed and overlies a greater part of the ventral branchiostegal rays, while the inner and more ventral sections are reduced. There is some development of the horizontal section of the sternohyoideus described in B. undulatus. The posterodorsomedial fibers of the sternobranchialis do not meet their antimeres. The pharyngoclavicularis internus has partially divided into two portions. Levator externus V is less well developed than in either of the two previous species, and transversus dorsalis II is as for B. vetula. The arrector ventralis pelvicus and transversus caudalis are as for B. undulatus.