Rapanui Sandy

Dorsal rays IX,12; anal rays III,12; pectoral rays 13. Lateral-line scales 20 + 5. Head naked except for one or two small partly embedded scales dorsally on opercle. Gill rakers 16-18. Body depth 2.6-2.75 in SL. Dorsal profile of snout forming an angle of about 50°, front of head with a slight median ridge. Origin of the dorsal fin a little posterior to preopercular margin; first dorsal spine flexible, slightly longer than second spine, 4.05-4.15 in head length; space between first two dorsal spines two-thirds space between second and third spines. Caudal fin slightly rounded. Pectoral fins short, 1.6-1.7 in HL. Body bright red, edges of scales darker red; membranes of spinous portion of dorsal fin bluish gray, each with a black spot; each of first three membranes of soft portion of fin with a faint black spot (Ref. 57578).

Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).