Japanese Shortspined Scorpionfish

This species is distinct with the following set of characters: pectoral-fin rays 17; longitudinal scale rows 44; scales below lateral line 13; scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 6; gill rakers 17; anteroventral surface of body and base of pectoral fin covered with exposed scales; no tentacles on the anteroventral surface of lower jaw; anterior surface of preocular spine with 3 vertical or slightly oblique ridges (autapomorphic for the species); lateral surface of maxilla no distinct longitudinal ridge; with lateral lacrimal spine; additional small spines behind anterior lacrimal spine; occipital pit extremely deep; dorsal view of occipital pit rectangular, length distinctly less than width (length 53.3% of width); many small papillae on surface of occipital pit; relatively long pectoral fin (33.3% of SL), its posterior tip extending beyond verticals through last dorsal-fin spine base, posterior tip of depressed pelvic fin and second anal-fin spine base; relatively short third to fifth dorsal-fin spines (third spine length 14.6% of SL, fourth spine 15.5%, and fifth spine 15.8%, respectively) (Ref. 75293).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 5; Vertebrae: 24