Thorny Flathead

Lower edge of preopercle projecting downward as a strong antrorse spine. Infraorbital and suborbital ridges bearing many fine serrations. Lower side of head unicarinate. Dorsal fin usually 11. Iris lappet bilobed. Caudal fin with a white basal band, a broad dusky submarginal band and a narrow white edge.Description: Characterized by brown color; 3-4 dark brown to blackish bars/saddles on back and sides; first dorsal fin blackish with white and black bands on spines; black spots on second dorsal fin; base of pectoral fin white with black spots on central portion; black spots on pectoral fins and white outer margin (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 10 - 12

Benthic on sand and mud bottoms (Ref. 30573). Usually caught with trawls to depths of about 80 m (Ref 90102).