Key Identification Features
- Its dorsal fins are split into three distinct sections: the first two sections are made of hard, spike-like spinous structures, and the third section has soft structures.
- They occupy shallow water, living on rocky, algal, and sandy seabed habitats at depths from 0 to 3 metres (0 to 10 ft) in temperate regions that experience four distinct seasons.
- Distinct morphological characteristics develop in lateral and dorsal regions near the dorsal fins; the gas bladder and dorsal spinal rigidity both develop later in growth.
- Breeding males develop distinct coloration: dark orange on the head and front portion of the body, and yellow on the remaining sections of the body.
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