This species is characterized by the following: D VI-I,8-9 (rarely 8), the 6th spine linked basally by membrane with spine at front of soft portion of fin; A 1,8; pectoral rays 20 or 21; branched caudal rays 14; pelvic fins fully separated, rays I, 5, fifth ray unbranched or branched once at tip, the distance between bases of inner rays of 2 fins about equal to base of either fin. Scales ctenoid except a few cycloid anteriorly and ventrally on abdomen; longitudinal scale series 24-29; no scales on head, nape, prepectoral area, or chest. Body depth 4.2-5.3 in SL; head length 3.05-3.1 in SL. No opening above the first gill arch (occluded by membrane); lower end of gill opening at level of ventral edge of pectoral-fin base. Posterior nostril not tubular. Sensory papillae of cheek reduced. Adult males with prolonged first 2 dorsal spines, the first being the longest. Rounded caudal fin, shorter than head length. Body pale brown to whitish ventrally, with orangish to dark brown dots (dashes on some specimens) tending to form vertical rows; a longitudinal series of 12 dark blotches the size of pupil or smaller on side of body; a small dark brown spot behind upper part of eye; a dark brown or black line across most of caudal-fin base (Ref. 54354).

Description: One head pore by each posterior nostril, a single anterior interorbital pore, a single posterior interorbital pore, a supraorbital pore behind eye, an infraorbital pore below supraorbital pore behind eye, a lateral canal pore behind infraorbital pore, a terminal lateral-canal pore over preopercular margin, and two preopercular pores. First gill-arch connected by a membrane to inside of gill cover. Anterior nostril at end of short tube. First dorsal fin with a basal black line just above body (Ref. 57078).