Description: Somewhat variable species (Ref. 52193). Head depressed; eyes relatively small; mouth large, with broad premaxillary toothpads, about 12 mandibular teeth in a straight band (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 1 spine and 5-6 soft rays; anal fin with 3 unbranched and 7-10 branched rays; dorsal fin small, dorsal spine short, less than 50% fin length; caudal fin emarginate in both sexes (Ref. 52193).

Colouration: Dark brown with small lighter patches on back and distinctive series of vertical linear spots along body; caudal fin with broad splayed black band over either lobe (Ref. 52193).