Scientific Name
Diagramma melanacra
Common Name
Blackfin slatey
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 10 - 11;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 22-24;
Anal
spines: 3;
Anal
soft rays: 6 - 7. Tubed lateral line scales 55-57; outer row of teeth in jaws slightly enlarged, movable; swim bladder with 3 short anterior projections; third or fourth dorsal spine longest, 1.8-1.9 in head; first dorsal spine 1.7-2.3 in length of second; interspinous membrane of dorsal fin not incised; pelvic fins reaching vent or slightly beyond, 1.2-1.3 in head; body light yellow dorsally, shading to pale silvery grey on sides and ventrally, with numerous small dark brown spots, which are smaller and form oblique rows on body below lateral line; head light purplish grey with numerous small dark brown spots, opercular membrane black; dorsal fin and upper 3/4 of caudal fin with small dark spots; lower 1/4 of caudal fin black; anal and pelvic fins mainly black (Ref. 44143). Juveniles from 13.3 cm SL with spots about size of pupil on head, body, dorsal and caudal fins becoming prog