Predorsal scales sexually dimorphic in number: male with 5-11 and female with 8-16; slightly embedded cycloid scales present on belly. Male with a triangular-shaped first-dorsal fin with

third and/or fourth spines longest but not filamentous and a patch of white fatty tissue posterior to pectoral-fin base. Female usually with 5 (4-5) dusky to blackish blotches or spots along lateral midline from second-dorsal fin with usually 4 (3-4) posterior-most spots positioned close together on caudal peduncle, dusky band extending from anterior to eye to upper hypural base usually indistinct posterior to pectoral-fin base, with or without a dusky or black gular blotch, and in some females xanthism exists which fades in preservation and in life yellow with orange to bright red markings (Ref. 74937).