Main Ref. | Myers, R.F., 1991 |
Appearance refers to | |
Bones in OsteoBase |
Specialized organs | |
Different appearance | |
Different colors | |
Remarks |
Striking features | |
Body shape lateral | eel-like |
Cross section | |
Dorsal head profile | |
Type of eyes | |
Type of mouth/snout | |
Position of mouth | |
Type of scales | |
Diagnosis |
Juveniles are tan with numerous large black spots. Adults have black specks that grade into leopard-like spots behind the head and a black area surrounding the gill opening. Description: Characterized by body depth at gill opening 12-22 in TL; very deep-bodied large adults; origin of dorsal fin anterior to gill opening; anus slightly anterior to middle of body; not extremely long large teeth; front of upper jaw have 5-6 teeth on each side, some with small teeth between; front of upper jaw with 2-3 teeth at median row; 2-3 inner teeth in small individuals (under 30 cm) at side of upper jaw; a row of small sharp teeth in lower jaw, 3-4 inner canines anteriorly on each side (Ref. 90102). |
Ease of Identification |
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 | 137 - 143 |
Attributes | |
Fins number | |
Finlets No. | Dorsal |
Ventral | |
Spines total | 0 - 0 |
Soft-rays total | |
Adipose fin |
Attributes |
Fins number | |
Spines total | 0 - 0 |
Soft-rays total |
Pectoral | Attributes |
Spines | |
Soft-rays | |
Pelvics | Attributes |
Position | |
Spines | |
Soft-rays |