Source: FAO 2002.
| Family | Scientific Name | Author | Year | Common Name |
| Melamphaidae | Melamphaes suborbitalis | (Gill) | 1883 | Shoulderspine Bigscale |
All Melamphes Species: Smaller scales, more than 20 transverse scale rows from nape to caudal base (scales mostly lost, leaving discernible scale pockets). Scales on cheek (leaving discernible scale pockets). Supramaxilla present. Ridges on top of head not crest-like with edges smooth. No conspicuous dorsally-directed spine between nostrils. Ventral edge, angle, and posterior edge of preopercle smooth. Scales on cheek 2 or 3 (but often lost). Total number of dorsal-fin elements (spines plus rays) more than 16.
Melamphes suborbitalis
Unique Characteristics: Dorsal spines 3; dorsal soft rays: 5. Anal spines 1; anal soft rays: 17. Well-developed post temporal spine, directed antero-dorsally. About 20 transverse rows of scales (nape to caudal fin). Head with obtuse angle in lateral margin. Light brown body; unpigmented fins; mouth and branchial cavity light brown (https://fishbase.se/summary/Melamphaes-suborbitalis).
Similar Species:
Melamphaes typhlops, Fewraker Bigscale
Fewraker Bigscale, Melamphaes typhlops. Dorsal spines 3; dorsal soft rays 14 or 15. Anal spines 1; anal soft rays 14-16. Head with a sharp angle in the frontal margin. Scales mostly pockets (https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Melamphaes-typhlops.html).
Melamphaes pumilus, Lesser Bigscale
Lesser Bigscale, Melamphaes pumilus. Dorsal spines 3; dorsal soft rays 14-16. Anal spines 1; anal soft rays 7-9. Head with sharp angle in lateral margin. Preopercle with angle smooth, rounded and slightly emarginate (https://fishbase.se/summary/Melamphaes-pumilus).