Crested Spiny Plunderfish

Reddish-olive with very large brown blotches (Ref. 11892).

Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 25; Analsoft rays: 16 - 19

Common in the littoral zone, under rocks, but may occur to depths of 40-50 m (Ref. 5191). Accorded full species recognition because of the presence of tubular cephalic pores and a single knob bearing a tentacle above each eye, thus setting it apart from the other species (Ref. 5191). Feed on small crustaceans and common in littoral of all sub-Antarctic islands (Ref. 42041).