This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: fleshy lowerlip with dense cluster of very small papillae anteriorly; 10 unobstructed pores on or behind chin, 3 longitudinal stripes on body irrespective of size of the specimen, their width below the base of 5th and 6th dorsal fin spines clearly wider than pupil diameter; tip of pelvic fin almost reaching beyond the first anal fin spine when depressed, sometimes reaching the second anal spine; transverse scale rows 7-8 above lateral line, 19-20 below lateral line, gill rakers 7+11 in all specimens; soft rayed portion of dorsal and anal fins somewhat rounded (Ref. 94191).