(Family and genus): One or two dorsal and one anal fins; dorsal base long; dorsal fin rays much higher than anal. Dorsal and anal fins separate from caudal fin. Mouth terminal. Chin barbel absent. (Species): Teeth on upper jaw in three rows; median row enlarged, needle-like teeth; a pair of enlarged teeth near symphysis. Lower jaw teeth biserial, inner row enlarged. Vomerine and palatine teeth in a single row.
Distribution:
Atlantic, E. Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Remarks:
Koefoed (1953) reported two forms in the species, ie. a gap in anterior portion of dorsal fin present or absent, the present material are the latter form. Two species are known, M. gracilis (South Atlantic species) differs in having minute tooth band on jaws. (Arai)