Body elongate, compressed, slightly tapering back to rather deep 
caudal peduncle. Head large. Snout short. Eye moderate, well advanced 
in first half of head. Mouth large. Maxillary extends beyond eye, end 
exposed posteriorly. Jaws and vomer with simple teeth. Gill membranes 
free from isthmus. No scales. First dorsal smal1, lower than longer and 
higher soft dorsal, latter with rays longest posteriorly. Anal opposite 
and similar to soft dorsal, smaller. Caudal large. Pectoral moderate. 
Ventrals small, close together inserted little before pectoral. 
Distinguished chiefly by its naked head, body and fins. Especially 
the head, less so the body, with an elaborate system of mucous pores. 
