This species is distinguished by the following characters: 17 pectoral-fin rays; 37 scale rows in longitudinal series; 19 pored lateral-line scales; posterior margin of maxilla extending well beyond a vertical through posterior margin of orbit; an additional spine arising from a low median ridge of anterior lacrimal spine; posterior lacrimal spine divided into 2 spinous points; poorly developed interorbital ridges, covered with skin (not visible if skin is not removed); upper opercular spine divided into three spinous points; postocular, tympanic, nuchal, pterotic, posttemporal, and supracleithral spines serrated; extremely deep occipital pit, its depth greater than pupil diameter; space between ventral margin of orbit and suborbital ridge broad, its distance 4.1% SL ; extremely deep suborbital pit, its depth subequal to pupil diameter; a pair of pores behind a symphysial knob on lower jaw; nape and anterior body not highly arched; a narrow interorbital space, its width (7.2% SL ) less than orbit diameter; a large head, its length 50.5% SL ; short snout, length 13.7% SL ; large eye, orbit diameter 11.5% SL ; inner surface of pectoral fin with a poorly defined, large black blotch distally between third and seventh rays; a large black blotch on the upper one-third of pectoral-fin axil (Ref. 56405).