This species is distinguished by the following characters: Second dorsal-fin elements 13, anal-fin elements 14; teeth on upper jaw in a single row; fleshy tongue is rounded; upper lip is not constricted; without tentacle, callus, knob or spot posterodorsally on eye; anterior nares without a dark anteromedial spot; absence of spots on gular membrane beneath preopercle or anterior process of quadrate; without dark spots on scales of trunk; trunk possess 4 large rounded to elongate blotches along mid-side of body, with a small round to triangular blotch on caudal-fin base, some specimens with diffuse small brownish blotches visible, forming irregular rows ventral to, or interspersed with, mid-lateral blotches; on either side of dorsal midline are 2 irregular rows of spots, commencing on nape above opercle, upper row running along bases of fin rays, spots more distinct anteriorly; naked nape or scaled with naked median and low membranous crest; ctenoid scales on most of trunk then becoming cycloid anterior to second dorsal-fin origin; no scales on prepelvic area; lateral scales 61-79; spines of first dorsal fin are not produced, extending to about the third second dorsal-fin element; pectoral-fin rays 22-23; pelvic fins are dusky, with bars or mottled; a dark blotch on first dorsal fin behind or on both sides of sixth spine (Ref. 103856).