The illicium has the same length as the second dorsal spine and it is often darkly banded. The second dorsal spine is practically vertical and is movable, while the third one is bent towards the back of the body. They are well separated from each other and also from the dorsal fin.
The illicium's length matches the second dorsal spine, often with dark bands. The second dorsal spine is vertical and mobile, while the third one curves backward towards the body's back. They are distinct from each other and from the dorsal fin.