Size
Maximum size 31cm (12")
Recognition Characters
Body deep, compressed; small mouth; lacks distinct pelvic fins; has three dorsal spines; large, plate-like scales. Caudal fin lobes are long in adults; generally has a few scales behind the gill opening.
Color
Light to Olive Gray with a few white markings on sides and fins; sometimes yellowish-brown; occaisionally has faint, broad bars on the sides behind the pectoral fins.
Habitat & Depth
Typically associated with reef ledges, nearer the bottom
Distribution at GRNMS
Common
Geographic Range
Nova Scotia to Argentina
Behavior & Notes
Typically found solo, but sometimes in small groups. Swims using undulations of the second dorsal and anal fins. Can lock it's first doral spine in an upright position with the second dorsal spine in order to anchor itself in crevices for protection.
Synonyms