APLOACTINIDAE Cocotropus larvatus, 3.9 cm SL (from Okinawa Pref., Japan; photo by Tetsuo Yoshino) Cocotropus larvatus Poss and Allen, 1987 Ghost Velvetfish D XII-XIII, 9-10; A II, 7-8; P1 13-14; P2 I, 3; LLp 8-11 (9-12 in total, 1 on base of caudal fin). Body notably compressed. Lachrymal with 2 strong spines. Preopercle having 5 spines; lowermost small. Vomerine teeth present. Gill membrane free from isthmus. Anterior tip of isthmus attaining to 5th sensory opening of lower jaw. Dorsalfin origin above anterior portion of eye. First dorsal spine stout and strong. Head and body with prickles covered by skin. Color: variable, body, head and fins light brown, dark brown or reddish, having irregular spots or markings in various color. Size: maximum length about 7 cm. Distribution: Indo- West Pacific, from Great Banda and Christmas Islands, Phuket, and Ryukyu and Marshall Islands.