Blackbar filefish

Dorsal spines (total): 1-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-34; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 26-30. Body and head color variable. Blackish to dark bluish branchial blotch extending dorsally to level well above the lower margin of eye and may include ventrally the pectoral fin base and axil. Iris usually dark brown. Orange to red caudal fin soft dorsal and anal fins clear, orange or yellow with spots; pectorals clear. Scale spinulation at midbody closely packed. Male scale ridge rugosities develop at about 80 mm SL developed. Strong first dorsal spine. Large pelvic fin rudiment narrowly attached to posterior margin of ventral flap.