Common amongst Labrisomids: small, often elongate fishes; largest species about 20 cm standard length, most under 10 cm standard length. Head usually with cirri or fleshy flaps on anterior nostrils, eyes, and laterally on nape; gill membranes continuous with each other across posteroventral surface of head. Each jaw with an outer row of relatively large, canine-like or incisor-like teeth, often with patches of smaller teeth behind; teeth usually also present on vomer and often on palatines (roof of mouth). Dorsal and anal fins long, frequently highest anteriorly; dorsal-fin spines often flexible, outnumbering segmented dorsal-fin soft rays; 2 usually flexible spines in anal fin; pelvic fins inserted anterior to pectoral-fin bases, with 1 spine not visible externally; all fin rays, including those of caudal, unbranched (simple). Lateral-line tubes or canals varying from complete (extending entire length of body) to present only on anterior portion of body. Cycloid (smooth to touch) scales present at least posteriorly on body. Body coloration: varying from drab to brilliant hues; usually with irregular vertical bands, spots, or marbled pattern. Species distinguished by: dorsal-fin elements consisting either of spines only or spines and 1 segmented ray; no median fleshy barbel on chin; nuchal cirrus present on both sides of nape; pelvic fin with 1 spine and 2 soft rays; last dorsal-fin element spinous; pectoral-fin soft rays usually 13; scales on pectoral-fin base; dorsal-fin spines 26 or 27; lateral line with 29 to 31 scales (Ref.52855).