General: Distinctive pair of small dark dots on lower lip, but total lack of dark spots along base of dorsal spine differentiates it from the similarly sized Graysby, or larger Red and Rock Hinds.

Bicolour: the juvenile bicolour Coney boasts white specs, usually three, in the upper aft body area.

Thus called because juveniles boast three black spots, one on the base of the pectoral fin, another at the base of the dorsal fin and finally a black saddle on upper base of the tail fin.

Juvenile: Yellow with the three afore-mentioned black spots.

Intermediate and adult: upper central body area and dorsal fin gradually turn darker while the dorsal fin spot disappears. In its terminal phase the fish is almost entirely dark brown, though ventral area and tail  fin remain yellowish.

All Damselfishes have similar outlines, but with more or less deeply pronounced "chin-pectoral" area and dorsal fin tips of various shape.

Yellow upper "eyelid"

Juvenile: black spot on base of dorsal fin.

Intermediate and adult: pale blue snout.

Adult has dark snout, bronze/light brown young body featuring dorsal spots, turns darker brown with age, but tail remains bright yellow at all times. Adult body can turn yellow with purple dotted scales when courting (see photo below).

Juvenile is dark blue with light blue/white spots on its dorsal area and has a translucent tail fin. Very small, constantly moves, often lives under the protection of Long-spine Sea Urchins.

Intermediate is like Juvenile, but slightly larger and already sports its definitive bright yellow tailfin.