This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,10, where dorsal spines are thin and flexible, the third occasionally with long filamentous tip, reaching as far as sixth or seventh segmented ray of second dorsal fin when adpressed; A I,10; pectoral-fin rays 18-19 (rarely 18); lanceolate caudal fin, about equal to head length or slightly longer; scales in longitudinal scales 27-28, 9 transverse-scales; 8-9 predorsal-scales; finely ctenoid scales cover the body, becoming cycloid on breast (prepelvic), the pectoral-fin base, nape, and head; opercle and cheek are fully scaled; anterior extent of gill opening is below middle of opercle; transverse pattern of cheek papillae; single transverse row of papillae on chin; when alive, colour brown, grading to tan ventrally with scattered dark-edged, orange spots midlaterally on the side of the body, midlateral row of four, large squarish black spots from behind pectoral fin to caudal-fin base, pair of orange-brown stripes across cheek, and brown spotting on dorsal and caudal fins (Ref. 101679).