This species is distinguished from its congeners in having the following characters: D1 III, D2 XII, D3 9; A I,17; lateral line discontinuous, first series with 16-18 pored scales, second series 16-18 notched scales; mandibular pore system 4+1+4; supraorbital cirrus simple and broad; nasal cirrus simple and slender; first dorsal fin is equal to or higher than second; in males, head with a black mask, D1 and D2 and anal fins are entirely blackish; D2 with 4 black blotches and anal fin with 8-9 basal blackish-brown streaks in female; grayish-black opercle; caudal peduncle with a black streak (Ref. 79877).