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Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-37; Anal spines: 2-2. Common amongst Labrisomids: small, often elongate fishes; largest species about 20 cm standard length, most under 10 cm standard length. Head usually with cirri or fleshy flaps on anterior nostrils, eyes, and laterally on nape; gill membranes continuous with each other across posteroventral surface of head. Each jaw with an outer row of relatively large, canine-like or incisor-like teeth, often with patches of smaller teeth behind; teeth usually also present on vomer and often on palatines (roof of mouth). Dorsal and anal fins long, frequently highest anteriorly; dorsal-fin spines often flexible, outnumbering segmented dorsal-fin soft rays; 2 usually flexible spines in anal fin; pelvic fins inserted anterior to pectoral-fin bases, with 1 spine not visible externally and only 2 or 3 segmented rays; all fin rays, including those of caudal, unbranched (simple). Lateral-line tubes or canals varying from complete (extending entire length of body) to present only on anterior portion of body. Cycloid (smooth to touch) scales present at least posteriorly on body. Body coloration: varying from drab to brilliant hues; usually with irregular vertical bands, spots, or marbled pattern. Species distinguished by: dorsal fin consisting of spines and 7 to 37 segmented rays; lateral-line tubes or canals present at least anteriorly on body; two or more cirri on each side of nape just anterior to dorsal-fin origin; pelvic-fin soft rays 3 (innermost ray may be reduced in length and folded over middle ray); scales in lateral-line series 40 to 69 (some scales in posterior portion of lateral line may lack sensory tubes, but are included in count); maxillary bone exposed posteriorly; patches of small teeth behind outer row of large teeth in at least upper jaw; teeth present or absent on palatines (palatine teeth, when present, same size as or smaller than those on vomer); opercular ocellus absent (Ref.52855). |