Body with reticulate dark brown pattern, diffuse cross-hatched barring along midside of body, more distinct posteriorly; pair of brown spots at caudal fin base. Longitudinal scales 28-30. TRB 9-11. Predorsal scales 9-11; reaching to behind eyes, anteriormost scale enlarged. Scales on body ctenoid, extending forward to at least over top of opercle and often onto predorsal area, opercle usually with ctenoid scales. Dorsal fin low, filamentous spines absent (Ref. 43716)