Common Stinkfish

Dorsal sides of head and body light brown, ventral side white. Males with many small black blotches on head, body, and fins; females without black blotches. Caudal fin elongate, in males with 4 to 6 medial filaments; in females convex, without filaments. Preopercular spine with a dorsal point additionally to main tip, but without an antrorse spine at its base. First dorsal fin not much higher than second dorsal fin. Caudal fin in males with 5 or 6 median filaments (Ref 42832).

Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Analsoft rays: 7

The name 'stinkfish' refers to the acid smell of the slime covering the body; the slime tastes bitter and may be toxic; only some birds of prey take this species (Ref. 557).