Genus Trachonurus Günther, 1887

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES.— BR 7; origin of V well behind P base and under posterior onequarter of 1D base; V-A distance short, less than orbit diameter; broad periproct region spanning most of distance between V and A; second spinous ray of 1D smooth, rounded in cross-section, slightly longer than adjacent segmented ray; head smoothly rounded, without sharp ridges, almost fully scaled; scale patches usually present on branchiostegals; chin barbel short; body scales strongly adherent, with short, conical, relatively erect spinules; V 6 or 7; color uniformly gray to dark brownish black, fins dark, usually black.

REMARKS.— At least six species, two of which are found off Taiwan. The species in this genus are closely similar and differences between them are difficult to find. The widespread distributions reported for certain species (especially T. villosus and T. sentipellis) beg closer scrutiny.