Diagnostic Description
provided by Fishbase
This species is distinguished by the following characters: 16-17 pectoral fin rays (rarely 15 or 18); 31-36 lateral scale rows; upper jaw length 11.1-15.0 % SL; predorsal squamation extending anteriorly to vertical through posterior margin of preopercle, sometimes slightly beyond this point; body variously covered in dark blotches, sometimes loosely forming 6-7 diffuse dark blotches of varying size down body, trunk typically with no apparent diagnostic pattern of pigment (Ref. 85559).
- Recorder
- Estelita Emily Capuli
Morphology
provided by Fishbase
Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 8
- Recorder
- Estelita Emily Capuli
Biology
provided by Fishbase
Inhabits tide pools and shore waters, including mangrove areas (around muddy substrate near mangrove roots) and sheltered seagrass beds (rock and turtle grass) (Ref. 7251, 85559).