This species is distinguished by having an elongate body, slender head; clearly separated first and second dorsal fins; pelvic spines with anterior edge distinctly serrated; anterior edge of second spine of first dorsal and anal fin smooth; A III; D1 XIII; 46-51 pored lateral line scales; weakly serrated posterior margin of preoperculum; both jaws with a single row of teeth; canines long, sharp, well separated; upper jaw with 3-4 prominent fanglike teeth anterior to the vomer and without large canines on premaxillary; lower jaw with 2 small canines at front, followed by 3-5 large canines; 2 canines on vomer; villiform teeth on palatine (Ref. 80062).