Body oblong and compressed. Posterior margin of preopercle finely serrated. Opercle without prominent spines. Pelvic fin shorter than pectoral fin and inserted below pectoral base. Soft portions of dorsal and anal fins covered with scales. Scales on body ctenoid. Mouth large; teeth on both jaws villiform in bands. Caudal fin emarginate. Body pale red; a yellow line running from snout to lower edge of eye; chest silver-white; dorsal and anal fins edged with a yellow line; caudal fin pale red with upper and lower marginal yellow lines; pectoral and pelvic fins dusky.
Distribution:
Gulf of Mexico and Suriname.
Remarks:
This species is distinguishable from other serranids by having 8 dorsal spines, no prominent spines on the opercle, and oblong body. (Matsuura)