Vertebrae: 35 - 38. Body relatively stout. Head broad, snout rounded or blunt. Dorsal fin spine stout, with a well-developed locking mechanism. Pectoral fin spine stout with strong serrae, 7 or more in large specimens. Caudal fin shape variable, from slightly forked through, emarginate, truncate, or even slightly rounded, but not deeply forked; number of prncipal caudal fin rays: 7/8. Adipose fin elongate, its margin rounded. Humeral process of shoulder girdle is well developed, elongate, with its ventral margin and sometimes entire surface covered with fine denticulations. Coloration highly variable, from abundant dark spots in several rows to light pale spotting pattern. There is no humeral collar or band of dark pigmentation just behind the head. Marks often present on head and fins as well as body.