IDENTIFICATION

Head Pores -

Scales - Midlateral scales 33-36; predorsal scales not reaching eyes; sometimes a small patch of scales on upper corner of operculum;

Fins - Dorsal rays VI + I, 9-10; anal rays I, 8-9; pectoral rays 20-22, the uppermost 6 rays forming free filaments (ie. not connected with adjoining rays by a membrane) 1st to 4th branch only once, tail with 23-32 rays;

Head -

Papillae -

Color - Overall grey brown with light streak on each scale; faint dark bars and blotches evident on side; head without pale spots; 1st dorsal fin with an oblique dark bar at front; 3 dark blotches behind eye small, 2nd is smallest and 3rd is largest; juveniles are much lighter with well defined blackish bars and blotches and a dark-spotted caudal fin.

Size: grows to at about 15 cm.

Distribution - Guatemala to northern Peru.

Habitat - Inhabits brackish water in tide pools and rocky shores of bays and in creeks and estuaries.

Notes -

Photo by J. Van Tassell