| Main Ref. | Larson, H.K. and D.J. Buckle, 2012 |
| Appearance refers to | |
| Bones in OsteoBase |
| Specialized organs | |
| Different appearance | |
| Different colors | |
| Remarks |
| Striking features | |
| Body shape lateral (shape guide) | fusiform / normal |
| Cross section | compressed |
| Dorsal head profile | |
| Type of eyes | |
| Type of mouth/snout | |
| Position of mouth | |
| Type of scales | |
| Diagnosis |
This large stocky Gnatholepis species (up to 64 mm SL) is distinguished by the following characters: cycloid scales on predorsal region, cheek and pectoral fin base; a distinct flap present at end of lower lip; 3 or more dark spots along first spine of first and second dorsal fins, followed by at least 3 rows of dark spots or short streaks; pectoral fin plain translucent to pale brownish; transverse black line crossing upper part of eye usually split in 2; anal fin plain dusky, often with one to several blackish rounded to oval spots posteriorly, or with dark streaks following membrane; D2 and A nearly always I,11; pectoral rays 15-17 (usually 16); lateral scales 25-29 (usually 27); predorsal scales 7-10 (usually 8-9) (Ref. 92171). |
| Ease of Identification |
| Lateral Lines | Interrupted: No |
| Scales on lateral line | 25 - 29 |
| Pored lateral line scales | |
| Scales in lateral series | |
| Scale rows above lateral line | |
| Scale rows below lateral line | |
| Scales around caudal peduncle | 12 - 12 |
| Barbels | |
| Gill clefts (sharks/rays only) | |
| Gill rakers | |
| on lower limb | |
| on upper limb | |
| total | |
| Vertebrae | |
| preanal | |
| total |
| Attributes | |
| Fins number | 2 |
| Finlets No. | Dorsal |
| Ventral | |
| Spines total | 7 - 8 |
| Soft-rays total | 10 - 12 |
| Adipose fin |
| Attributes |
| Fins number | 1 |
| Spines total | 1 - 1 |
| Soft-rays total | 10 - 11 |
| Pectoral | Attributes |
| Spines | |
| Soft-rays 15 - 17 | |
| Pelvics | Attributes |
| Position | |
| Spines | |
| Soft-rays |