Diagnosis: usually 18-20 scales in rearward transverse series (range 18-22); 23-30 scales around caudal peduncle; densely pigmented on dorsum and with large, dark spots on flanks (Ref. 79590).

Description: similar to A. lateristriga, mainly distinguished by scale counts; head length 28-34% SL; up to 36 cycloid predorsal scales extending to vertical level of posterior part of preopercle; 54-62 ctenoid scales in longitudinal series (including 3-5 scales on caudal fin base; usually 51-59 on body); 23-26 scales around caudal peduncle (Thys 1967 reports 24-30 scales); 2nd dorsal fin I, 10, anal fin I, 10, pectoral fins 16, caudal fin 20 segmented rays; pelvic fins oval; oculoscapular canal incorporating pores A, B, C, D (single), F, G, J, K and L (Ref. 79590).

Coloration: Preserved specimens: head mottled with dark brown or black over a paler yellowish ground colour; flanks yellowish with several large brown patches along mid-line and numerous smaller brown spots dorsal to mid-line, often coalesced into a uniform brown or grey; ventrum yellowish white; pelvic fins pale; other fins with greyish membranes and brown spots on rays, except for 1st dorsal fin where brown pigmentation may extend in horizontal bands on fin membrane; according to Thys (1967), A. bustamantei has a darker back, more densely spotted with brown, and larger spots on the flanks compared to A. lateristriga; some specimens of A. bustamantei are more uniform dark grey compared to A. lateristriga, however A. lateristriga also shows intraspecific variation in body pigmentation, and some illustrated specimens of A. bustamantei are not significantly different from A. lateristriga (Ref. 79590).