Pearly Goatfish

Diagnosis: Pectoral rays 15-17 (usually 16). Gill rakers 6-8 + 22-25 (total 29-33). Body moderately elongate, the depth 3.5-4.05 in SL (to 4.35 in juveniles); head length (HL) 2.75-3.0 in SL; snout length 1.75-2.3 in head length; upper-jaw length 3.0-3.5 in HL; barbels relatively short, 1.4-1.65 in HL; third dorsal spine longest, 1.65-1.95 in HL; last dorsal soft ray only slightly longer than penultimate ray; pectoral-fin length 1.5-1.7 in HL; pelvic-fin length 1.5-1.8 in HL. Gray to brownish red dorsally, whitish to light red ventrally, with a small pearly white to pale blue spot on each scale of body below the lateral line (center of scales on body above lateral line whitish but not as a distinct spot); an elongate white spot anteriorly on upper side of caudal peduncle, sometimes followed by a dusky spot of about the same size; a brown band on snout from upper lip to eye, often continuing onto postorbital head and narrowly a short distance onto body (band usually not persisting in preservative) (Ref. 54393).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 24

Occurs on open sand or silty sand bottom or on sand and rubble in the vicinity of reefs or rocky outcrops (Ref. 54393).