ABSTRACT
Body depth subequal to head length, depth contained 2.3–2.5 times in standard length; body width 2.3–2.4 times in body depth. Head length 2.2–2.3 times in standard length; interorbital area convex, the dorsal head profile convex; preopercle rounded, with a large, curved (antrorse) spine at the angle, the lower edge fleshy; middle opercle spine very large, extending to or beyond rear edge of opercular membrane; posterior and anterior nostrils small, subequal; maxilla with a well-developed supramaxilla and a prominent bony knob (hidden by upper lip) on lower rear corner; a short, curved, fixed canine tooth on each side of symphysis of both jaws and 1–3 similar fixed canines at midside of lower jaw. Gill rakers 5–7 on upper limb, 16 on lower limb, the longest slightly longer than longest gill filaments. Dorsal fin with 8 spines and 13 rays, the 3rd or 4th spine longest; interspinous membranes deeply incised; base of spinous part of fin longer than soft-rayed part; anal fin with 3 spines and 7 rays; pectoral fins with 16 or 17 rays, the middle rays longest; pelvic fins reach anus. Lateral line distinctly curved upward below spinous dorsal fin. Scales on body large, distinctly ctenoid and without auxiliary scales; lateral-line scales 47–49; lateral-scales series 78–83; no scales on top of head, preorbital, snout, maxilla or lower jaw.
