Opistognathus signatus Smith-Vaniz 1997

Anterior nostril a short tube simple cirrus on posterior rim; posterior end of maxilla of adult males produced as a thin flexible lamina that usually extends beyond posterior margin of opercle; spinous dorsal fin with black spot encircled by broad whit ring; adult males with inner lining of maxilla and adjacent membranes with prominent black stripe (stripe usually absent or light brown and poorly developed in females); buccal pigmentation consisting of a large dark area widely surrounding esophageal opening, including medial area between upper pharyngeal tooth patches; caudal vertebrae 19 or 20, usually 20 (Ref. 26893).

Dorsal spines (total): 10 - 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 17; Anal spines: 2 - 3; Analsoft rays: 16 - 17; Vertebrae: 29 - 30

Known only from coastal waters (Ref. 26893).