Diagnosis: body depth 44.9-54.1% SL; caudal peduncle short and deep, its length 0.5-0.6 times in its depth (Ref. 53405). 3 scale rows on cheek (Ref. 2). No black spots (Ref. 53405). 8-9 faint vertical bars behind dark nape on body (Ref. 2, 53405). Dorsal fin with grey lappets and large, round, clear spots in dark reticulum; anal fin similarly marked; caudal fin with small, dark rectangular spots, either irregularly arranged or in curved rows (Ref. 2).

Description: 30-65 teeth in outer row of upper jaw; outer jaw teeth bicuspid, inner jaw teeth tricuspid, posterior teeth on pharyngeal jaw bicuspid; anterior part of pharyngeal bone longer than toothed part; micro-gillrakers present; scales cycloid (Ref. 53405).

Coloration: Preserved specimens: greyish, darker on top of head and back, white on belly; black band below lower lip; pectoral fins transparent, other fins grey; dorsal, anal and caudal fins with several transparent or white spots on membrane between spines and soft rays, these spots sometimes forming dark vertical lines on dorsal and caudal fins; young specimens with fewer spots on fins and posterior part of caudal fin darker (Ref. 53405).