This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongate supramaxilla and posterior end of maxilla produced as a thin flexible lamina, in adults it usually extends almost to or beyond rear margin of opercle; dorsal fin with an ocellated spot between third or fourth and eighth spines; inner lining of upper jaw and adjacent membranes with a single conspicuous black stripe that touches ventral margin of maxilla for most of its length; D Xl,14 or 15 (exceptionally 15); body with about 68-95 oblique scale rows; total gill rakers 36-45, usually 39-45 (Ref. 81517).

Description: Head and body brown with white spots; dorsal fin dusky with white spots and a black ocellated spot between the 4th and 8th spines (Ref. 5468).