This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIII,10-12 (usually 11); A II,10-12 (usually 11); pectoral-fin rays 17-19 (rarely 19); tubed lateral-line scales 16-19 (usually 17-18); total gill rakers on first arch 21-23 (usually 21-22); body depth 2.2-2.4 in SL; ventral margin of suborbital exposed (i.e. not hidden by scales); middle fin rays of dorsal and anal fins filamentous; dorsal and ventral margins of caudal fin filamentous; mainly dark brown in life except pale posteriormost parts of dorsal and anal fins and pale central portion of caudal fin; dark margins of caudal fin restricted to proximal half of fin; small dark spot at upper pectoral-fin base, but not extending into axil of fin (Ref. 117117).