This species is distinguished by the following characters: D I + I + I, 12 (rarely 13); A 7; pectoral rays 12 (sometimes 11); last pelvic ray branched; illicium is short, about as long as second dorsal spine; second dorsal spine curved, not connected to head with a membrane; dorsal and anal fins ending at base of caudal fin (no caudal peduncle); differs from coccineus in the strongly modal count of 12 pectoral rays (vs. 10 in coccineus), the esca not white (vs. white), and more small dark blotches on the body and fins (vs. lacking). Colouration: head and body usually mottled red or yellowish to reddish brown, usually with numerous small dark blotches; median and pelvic fins with dark brown to black spots (Ref. 86689).