This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: abdomen with black peritoneum, clearly visible externally; dorsal/anal formula 8/7; simple pectoral-fin rays; length of 5th pelvic-fin ray 40% or greater of 4th ray; genital papilla in male not fimbriate; cephalic sensory-pore system pattern group 2 (only IT missing) (Ref. 89418); characterized further by translucent red with pair of bright yellow stripe behind eye, lower stripe reaching midbody and upper nearly to caudal fin base; fins unmarked; longitudinal scale series 23-24; ctenoid scales, absent on head, nape and pectoral fin base; separated pelvic fins, thin membrane joining bases; 3-5 branches on fourth pelvic ray; depth of body 3.6-4.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).