Molly Miller

Resembles P. yatabei but easily distinguished by a median series of cirri on nape. A short supraorbital cirrus present (Ref. 559). Dull green or olive with dark bars on body which extend into lower part of dorsal fin (Ref. 13442).

Oviparous, distinct pairing (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 14 - 17

Adults inhabit shallow rocky areas and tide pools. They hide in empty Strombus gigas shells (Ref. 13628), holes or troughs of rocks, or between algae (Ref. 5981). Herbivorous (Ref. 13442). Feed on invertebrates as juveniles and shift to diet of algae as adults (Ref. 94105). Unusual erectile nuchal crest (Ref. 41019). Oviparous. Eggs are demersal and adhesive (Ref. 205), and are attached to the substrate via a filamentous, adhesive pad or pedestal (Ref. 94114). Larvae are planktonic, often found in shallow, coastal waters (Ref. 94114).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial