Common Name
Pugnose Bass
Year Described
Rivas, 1971
Identification
Dorsal Fin: X, 13-15
Anal Fin: III, 7
Pectoral Fin: 14-15
Pelvic Fin: I, 5
Lateral Line: 46-49
Gill Rakers: 9-11 (upper), 21-26 (lower) on first arch, 30-37 total
Vertebrae: 24 (10 precaudal and 14 caudal)
Snout very short and blunt (appears squared off). There are three opercular and one preopercular spine. Preopercle serrated. Anus situated far anteriorly (closer to pelvic than anal fin). Body, head, and base of caudal fin covered in ctenoid scales. Rest of fins scaleless. Lateral line present. Spiny and soft dorsal fins continuous, with a shallow notch.
Color
Body pale pink with a yellowish wash on the dorsum and top of head. Random scattered pearly flecks and spots are present on the body (especially a series of regularly spaced spots along the dorsal base). A dark brown stripe passes through the eye and onto the upper head. Another spot is present on the upper caudal peduncle ringed with pearly white. The dorsal fin is yellowish with pearly white spots and a yellow margin. A dark blotch is situated between the first 3-4 dorsal spines. The caudal fin is yellowish with pearly spots. The anal and pelvic fins are translucent with pearly spots.
Size
Specimens range from 41.5-60mm SL.
Habitat
Collected on deep reefs under 100m.
Range
Scattered records: off Dominica, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Curacao, and off Nicaragua.
References
Rivas, L.R. 1971. A New Genus and Species of Western Atlantic Serranoid Fishes, with Anterior Vent. Copeia, 1971 (No. 4): 718-721.