Diagnosis: length of supraorbital tentacles varies from approximately 2/3 of eye diameter to 2 times this diameter; longest tentacles occur in male specimens; shape of supraorbital tentacles varies from a single finger-like appendage bearing 2-4 filaments at the rear base to 4 appendages of almost equal length; anterior nostril forms a small tube which bears up to 4 cirri on posterior rim, only 1 in most cases; only one ring of cephalic sensory pores in infraorbital and preopercular series; lateral line does not reach beyond level of 8th-10th spine of dorsal fin; both males and females with a thin crest on head, but crest in females not as high as in males; dorsal fin with 12 spines and 14-17, generally 15-16, soft rays, last spine shorter than soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 16-19, generally 17-18, soft rays; caudal fin rounded (Ref. 81288).

Coloration: in alcohol, uniformly clear brown, lower part of head and throat clearer; some individuals with a black spot on membrane between 1st and 3rd dorsal spines; sometimes flanks bearing vertical stripes darker (Ref. 81288).