Diagnosis |
Description: Dorsal fin XII.12-14 (usually 13), with deep notched between spinous and segmented-ray portions; anal fin 11,14-16 (usually 15); pectoral fin 12-13 (usually 13); pelvic fin I, 3; caudal fin 13. Vertebrae 10 + 21-23 (usually 22). Canines and incisors look very similar, total of 38-46, posterior canines usually one on each side. Lateral line pores absent. Anterior nostril with cirrus on posterior rim only (Ref. 5296, 90102). Variable in color, usually with broad orange bands and black bars on the rear of the body, but occasionally with black longitudinal stripes (Ref. 48636). Two color pattern variations: either overall orange with dark vivid vertical bands (may be broken or spots) and 2 white horizontal stripes on upper side, otherwise, head yellow, body pale grey, with 3 dark horizontal stripes on side, washed with yellow anteriorly, and yellow lines through eyes, also with dark spot behind head, and orange stripe on pectoral fin-base (Ref. 5296, 90102). Extensive color description of live and preserved specimens of the striped and banded variants could be found in Ref. 5296. |