This species is distinguished by having the following characters: a large black spot on the edge of the operculum; 8-10 peritoneal spots; pectoral fin not reaching a line from base of pelvic fin to origin of dorsal fin; posterior pelvic process wide; 13 dorsal-fin rays; 12-13 pectoral-fin rays; 9 anal-fin rays; 55-56 pored lateral line scales; 3.5 rows of scales between lateral line and dorsal fin; anterior palatine teeth longer than posterior ones; outer row of teeth posteriorly angled outwardly; nasal flap short and rounded; 23-24 gill rakers; snout relatively short (6.2%-6.5% SL); eyes small, orbital diameter 4.9%-5.4% SL); interorbital relatively narrow (2.7%-3.2% SL) (Ref. 58391).