Bastard grunt

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 11-13; Vertebrae: 27. Diagnosis: body oblong; snout short, about equal to eye diameter; mouth small, maxilla not reaching anterior edge of eye; 2 anterior pores on chin, followed by a median pit; third anal fin spine equal or longer than second; 11-13 anal soft rays; caudal fin forked; scales slightly ctenoid; 7-8 scale rows between lateral line and middle of spinous dorsal-fin base (Ref. 57395). Coloration: back dark brown, silvery white on belly; sometimes large dark spots on back and flanks, but never small spots or bands; a black spot at upper angle of opercle (Ref. 57395).