Diagnosis |
Adults: 8.5-39.2 cm TL and wet weight 34-133 g for individuals 25.0-39.2 cm TL. Body proportions, as percentage of TL (based on 43 specimens measuring 8.5-27.0 cm TL): prebranchial length, 11.4-15.9; branchial length, 8.7-10.8 [8.0-12.2 according to Hubbs and Trautman (1937)]; trunk length, 42.4-49.2; tail length, 25.8-35.0; eye length, 0.7-2.5; disc length, 5.9-12.4. Urogenital papilla length, as a percentage of branchial length, in 7 spawning males measuring 18.5-27.9 cm TL, 5.3-7.7. Trunk myomeres, 47-57. Dentition: supraoral lamina, 1-4 unicuspid teeth, but usually 2; infraoral lamina, 5-12 unicuspid teeth, usually 7-8; 3-6 endolaterals on each side, usually 4; endolateral formula, typically 1-1-1-1; 0-2 bicuspid endolaterals in total, usually 0, the other endolaterals unicuspid; 2-4 rows of anterials; first row of anterials, 1-3 unicuspid teeth; 4-8 rows of exolaterals on each side; 3 rows of posterials; first row of posterials, 8-10 unicuspid teeth; crest of transverse lingual lamina moderately to strongly w-shaped, rarely weakly w-shaped, with about 35 short unicuspid teeth, the median one not enlarged; longitudinal lingual laminae each with 33-40 unicuspid teeth. Well-developed marginal membrane. Velar tentacles, 2-6, smooth. Body coloration (live) a light yellow tan and (preserved) usually yellowish, darker on the dorsal surface, gradually becoming lighter towards the ventral surface with mottling of these shades on the sides; occasionally grayish. Spent individuals blue-back. Lateral line neuromasts darkly pigmented at least by 14.6 cm TL. Extent of caudal fin pigmentation,75% or more. Caudal fin shape, rounded. Oral fimbriae, 81-108. Oral papillae, 15-25 (Ref. 89241). |