191 



;J.kv 



origin in larger specimens. Pectoral-fin spine relatively short, pungent (Fig. 26f); 

 anterior margin rugose, posterior margin with from about 13 to 25 sharp, retrorse 

 serrae, which increase in number with larger body size (the count given here is for 

 specimens ranging from 80 to 164 mm SL). Soft pectoral rays 9 (2), 10* (15), or 11 

 (3), the iimermost lepidotrichia very short. r^-, 



Color in Alcohol ■'■: 



Entire head and body overall tan to chocolate brown, darkest dorsally, with a 

 variable degree of mottling (Fig. 36). Top of head and dorsum very dark brown to 

 black, slightly mottled. A dark brown or black stripe just in front of eye, extending 

 posteriorly as a prominent broad stripe slanting slightly obliquely downward from 

 rear margin of orbit to edge of opercular flap at or just above pectoral origin. Top 

 half of opercular flap generally somewhat lighter than rest of head. Chin, throat, 

 and belly dark brown. Dorsum and sides of body irregularly mottled with dark 

 brown or black blotches or spots, and always with a large triangular black spot just 

 behind upper end of gill opening and a thin black line along most or all of entire 

 length of lateral Une. Background color on body consists of relatively large, discrete 

 chromatophores that often have a reticulated or honeycomb-like appearance at high 

 magnification; the spots and blotches are formed from dense accumulations of 

 pigment. 



All fins are relatively dark brown. The dorsal, adipose, and paired fins are 

 rather uniformly pigmented throughout, except for a thin white stripe along entire 

 distal margin of the dorsal and paired fins (slightly broader near the base of the 

 posterior dorsal rays). The caudal and anal fins often have some degree of mottling 

 similar to that on the body. Tail occasionally with one or two faint vertical light bars 

 or bands towards the base, and generally with a thin unpigmented stripe on the 



