The intraorbital area is convex and the upper jaw can be protruded to a moderate extent, slipping under the cheek bone for much of its length when the mouth is closed.

There are small conical teeth on the front and sides of the palate, as well as a central tooth triangular or v-shaped patch.

Spawning takes place nearly year round, peaking in the period February to April, in September and October and, off Jamaica, in November.

[4] Apsilus dentatus was first formally described in 1853 by the French zoologist Alphonse Guichenot with the type locality given as Havana.

[5] The specific name dentatus means "toothed" and refers to the obvious upper front jaw canine teeth.