| Main Ref. | Ebert, D.A., 2003 |
| Appearance refers to | |
| Bones in OsteoBase |
| Specialized organs | |
| Different appearance | |
| Different colors | |
| Remarks |
| Striking features | none |
| Body shape lateral (shape guide) | other |
| Cross section | |
| Dorsal head profile | |
| Type of eyes | |
| Type of mouth/snout | |
| Position of mouth | |
| Type of scales | placoid scales |
| Diagnosis |
Spiral valve count: 8-10. Broad disc is about as wide as it is long; dorsal surface covered with numerous, small to large, scattered, stellate prickles; a single median row of enlarged thorns running along the mid-back; a broad, short snout; small, blunt, pebble like teeth; a dorsal fin that originates closer to the pelvic fin bases than to the caudal fin origin; a thick tail and a moderately large, rounded caudal fin without a distinct lower lobe. Tooth count: 60-75/60-75. Coloration: The dorsal surface is sandy brown to dark gray, with several prominent black bars, and lighter below with dark spots on the posterior edge of the pectoral fins. |
| Ease of Identification | likely to be confused with closely related species. |
| Lateral Lines | Interrupted: No |
| Scales on lateral line | |
| Pored lateral line scales | |
| Scales in lateral series | |
| Scale rows above lateral line | |
| Scale rows below lateral line | |
| Scales around caudal peduncle | |
| Barbels | |
| Gill clefts (sharks/rays only) | |
| Gill rakers | |
| on lower limb | |
| on upper limb | |
| total | |
| Vertebrae | |
| preanal | |
| total | 149 - 150 |
| Attributes | |
| Fins number | 2 |
| Finlets No. | Dorsal |
| Ventral | |
| Spines total | |
| Soft-rays total | |
| Adipose fin | absent |
| Attributes | heterocercal; asymmetric |
| Fins number | |
| Spines total | |
| Soft-rays total |
| Pectoral | Attributes |
| Spines | |
| Soft-rays | |
| Pelvics | Attributes |
| Position | |
| Spines | |
| Soft-rays |