Galapagos Species Database

It has a robust and elongate body, with a large head covered by bony plates and ridges with striated or granular surfaces. The eyes are positioned dorsally on the head, and the mouth is relatively small. The dentition is villiform and dense. The dorsal, anal, pectoral, and pelvic fins exhibit well-defined proportions, with both spiny and soft rays; the pectoral fin is long, semicircular, and extends toward the posterior region of the body. The skin is covered with small ctenoid scales, except on the head, and the lateral line features irregularly pored scales. The free rays are stout and elongate. Its morphology suggests adaptations to a benthic lifestyle.