This species is distinguished by the following characters: anterior nostril a simple tube without cirrus; maxilla truncate posteriorly with a slightly flexible lamina; large supramaxilla, triangular-shaped and terminally positioned; D X,13-14; A II,13; vertebrae 10+18; oblique scale rows in longitudinal series 47?50; coronoid (ascending) process of articular is hatchet-shaped with dorsal margin straight; a large ocellus on dorsal fin centered between spines 1-6, followed by four dark blotches with the posterior two larger and extending diagonally further onto the fin, all are separated by irregular narrow white stripes (Ref. 114925).