This species is distinguished by the following characters: pored lateral-line scales usually 9-10 and 14-16 gill rakers and rudiments on first gill arch; body scales with narrow dark margins; body uniform to mottled brownish without darker bars on sides (except at night); the second dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin pale are without darkish banding; pectoral fin with no whitish spot at axil; without whitish spots at base of caudal peduncle or behind posterior base of second dorsal fin; two darkish small marks near base of caudal peduncle (Ref. 93673).

Description: D VII(I)-I,9, with the third spine longest and strongest, sixth radial free in advance of hidden nubbin representing eighth spine (Ref. 93673).