Genus: Hollardia, Spikefishes, Spikefish
jaws: 1 row teeth
pelvis rounded, tapering
HOLLARDIA
SPIKEFISHES
Body deep, slightly compressed; mouth small, opens at front; teeth conical, 1 series on each jaw; gill opening a short vertical slit before pectoral base; dorsal fin origin usually behind top corner of gill opening; VI dorsal spines, the first long and strong, decreasing in size to rear, spines can be locked upright; fin rays branched; pelvic fin with a large spine and 1 inconspicuous ray; ventral surface of scale-covered part of pelvis rounded; skin thick, rough, covered with numerous small scales, each with tiny spines.
This Pacific and Atlantic genus contains 3 species, 2 W Atlantic species in our area.
