Genus Pontinus

A genus of scorpionfishes with the following characteristics: Dorsal-fin rays XII, 9-10; anal-fin rays normally III, 5 (last ray double); pectoral-fin rays 15-20, all unbranched. Swimbladder present. Vertebrae 24. Body scales ctenoid; cheek, postorbital area and top of head scaly. No occipital pit. Vomerine and palatine teeth present. Preorbital bone with 2 spines over maxillary. Suborbital ridge usually with 3-4 spines, first on preorbital bone often absent. Supplemental preopercular spine present. First preopercular spine longest, second often absent, 3rd and 4th present, 5th present or absent.