Thick dark bar under the eye, a short dark bar on the tail base, and a black spot at the front of first dorsal fin (Ref. 37816); characterized further by prolonged fourth dorsal spine, forming long filament in adult; longitudinal scale series 24; ctenoid scales on body, becoming cycloid anterior to pelvic and pectoral fins; 3-7 spines on rear edge of preopercle, lowermost often larger than others; rounded caudal fin; depth of body 3.7-4.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).