Scientific Name
Paraulopus balteatus
Common Name
Banded cucumberfish
Biology
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 11;
Anal
soft rays: 8 - 9;
Vertebrae: 48. This species is distinguished by the following characters: A 8-9; pectoral fin rays 19; vertebrae 48; predorsal scales 19-24; scales above lateral line 5.5; pelvic fin large, length 22.8-28.4% SL, larger in males than females, inner lobe much shorter than outer lobe, ratio of lengths of outer lobe to inner 1.7-2.1; two prominent broad brown bands posterior to dorsal fin on sides of body; broad black marginal stripe covering distal third of dorsal fin with distinct broad white submarginal stripe; distal third of upper lobe of caudal fin with white marginal band and black submarginal band, while ventral lobe with black marginal band; buccal cavity pigmented black forward to jaws; males with black anal fin margin anteriorly and distally, females lack dark margins (Ref. 86263).