Morphology |
Posterior margin of fleshy opercular flap |
Pointed above the pectoral axil |
Bluntly pointed above the pectoral axil |
Extends as a rounded ear above the pectoral axil |
Number of segmented rays in the dorsal fin |
10 |
6–9 |
6–8 |
Number of segmented rays in the anal fin |
12–13 |
7–10 |
7–11 |
Uppermost and lowermost branched caudal rays |
No filaments |
Single robust wire-like filament |
Two or more wire-like filaments |
Colour |
Male body courtship colours |
Dark blue/purple front two-thirds, orange-yellow rear one-third, pinkish tail |
Blackish brown + broad yellow saddle or bar at the pectoral level |
Changeable: front half light purple and rear half yellow; or entirely pale pinkish-grey |