Scientific Name
Maxillicosta meridianus
Common Name
Southern gurnard perch
Biology
This species is characterized by the following: pectoral-fin rays 21-24 (22) ; scales in longitudinal series 47-51 (49); pored lateral-line scales 27-29 (28); scale rows between last pelvic-fin ray bases 3 or 4 (3); scales above lateral line 2 or 3 (3), below 12-14 (13); scales between sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 3-5 (4); scales between last dorsal-fin spine and lateral line 4 or 5 (5); scales above lateral line behind head usually with no strong median ridge; central portion of inner ridge on ventral mandibular surface at the inner edge of dentary or closer to inner edge than to central ridge, no short ridge between posterior
portions of inner and central ridges; spinous points 0-6 on anterior margin of nasal spine, number decreasing with growth, spinous points 5-15 on entire nasal spine; spinous points 5-13 on surface of preocular spine; spines or distinct ridges absent on lateral margin of occipital pit between tympanic spine and origin of parietal spine base; oss