The fish in the subfamily Plesiopinae are relatively small fish, growing to a maximum length of 20 centimetres (7.9 in). They have scales on the gill covers and these frequently extend to the top of their heads. The dorsal fin has between 11 and 15 spines and 6 and 21 soft rays, the anal fin has 3 spines and between 7 and 23 soft rayes while the pelvic fin has a single spine and 4 soft rays.[2]