IDENTIFICATION

Head Pores - Cephalic lateral line canal with pores B', C(S), D(S), E, F, H' and K', L'. Pore F on a short side-branch from oculosacapular canal along lower border of orbit. Preopercle canal with pores M', N, O'.

Scales - Scales in lateral series 50-55(46-59); nape scaled; cheek sometimes scaled in upper rear corner; nape and predorsal area scaled.

Fins - D1 - VI; D2 - I+13-14(12-15); anal - I+11-12 (10-13); pectoral 21-22(18-23). Pectoral rays free and well developed at upper margin of fin reaching to near origin of first dorsal fin.

Head - Anterior nostril with a digitate process.

Papillae - A transverse pattern with transverse rows 1-7 present; rows 2 and 3 sometimes ending near orbit; row d in two parts; row x1 endinganteriorly behind pore H.

Color - Fawn with dark mottling and lateral blotches, to dark brown; upper margin of first dorsal fin with pale band, rear corner with dark blue spot in juveniles; breeding males deep purpleish-brown, with first dorsal band yellow to orange.

Distribution - eastern ATlantic from western Scotland to tropical West Africa (Senegal), including oceanci islands; Mediterannean and Black Sea (except north west). Gulf of Eilat, Red Sea (lessepsian migrant)

Habitat - Inhabits shallow water and intertidal areas with rocks and algae cover.

Notes -