Malakichthys barbatus Yamanoue & Yoseda 2001

Numerous pairs of spines on chin: 13 paris on chin, 7 pairs on outer ridges, 4 pairs of inner ridges and 2 pairs on the middle. Opercle with a dark blotch between the small upper and large lower spines. First proximal radial of anal fin slender, not hollow; anal fin rays III, 7 (rarely 8). Body depth 30-35% SL. Gill rakers on lower arm 20-22 (rarely 23). Ctenoid scales deciduous. Mouth oblique (Ref. 40964).

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 7 - 8

Malakichthys barbatus is a species of fish found in the oceans of the Indo-west Pacific: Japan, South China Sea and Australia at depths ranging from 100 – 600 meters.