Genus Pelates

Pelates Cuvier, 1829

Post-temporal covered with skin and scales, not expanded posteriorly, its posterior edge not serrate. Front row of teeth in jaws flattened. A peculiar muscular and ligamentous attachment of the extrinsic swimbladder muscle to the post-temporal and to the rear of skull. Dark stnpes along body, none extending onto caudal fin.
Mostly small fish, seldom exceeding 25 cm, common in shallow coastal waters. Feeding on benthic invertebrates.

Species 2; in Clofnam area 1, immigrant from the Red Sea.

Recent revision: Vari (1978).

Species of this genus in the program:
Pelates quadrilineatus

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