Melamphaes nikolayi Kotlyar 2012

This species is distinguished by the following: first gill arch with 21 rakers; total vertebrae 29, abdominal 12; haemal arch of the first caudal vertebra without a spine ('spur'); D III,15, P 15-16; V I,8; ventral fin originates beyond the vertical of the posterior end of the pectoral fin insertion; anal fin originates beyond the vertical of the last ray of the dorsal fin (Ref. 90261).

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 29