This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I,9-10 (rarely 10); A I,6-7; pectoral-fin rays 17-19 (rarely 17 or 19); both the anterior and posterior nostrils are present; no scales; pelvic disc with conspicuous frenum; greatest body depth 3.1-3.7 in SL; head length 2.7-3.2 in SL; head compressed, its width 1.0-1.3 in head depth; caudal fin is rounded, 2.6-3.5 in SL. Colouration: in life either semi-translucent dull yellowish or semi-translucent whitish, both varieties with pigment along vertebral column, as alternating long, dark, dash-like marks with intervening shorter white sections; head and body are covered in a uniform scattering of fine melanophores (Ref. 111062).