This species distinguished by the following characters: 21-22 (rarely 21) segmented dorsal-fin rays; 12-14 (rarely 12 or 14) segmented anal fin rays; weakly pungent to flexible anal spines, the second one varying from about as stout to less stout than the third; 29-35 (usually 30-33) scales in lateral series; 23-28 (usually 24-27) anterior lateral line scales; 10-12 scales below anterior lateral line; males with distinct coloration, head and body dark grey to black (dark brown to black when preserved), the lower part of head and body in front to anal-fin origin yellowish brown (when preserved pale brown to brown) (Ref. 81967).