A small-sized, deep-bodied species, sometimes with a slight nuchal hump (Ref. 35836). A stiff lower jaw, tapering towards a narrow, hypertrophied distal tip, covered with thick skin (Ref. 35836). The protruded mouth does not form a cylindrical tube (Ref. 35836). Long dorsal spine, 19-27% of SL (Ref. 35836). Anal and ventral fins are rather long, 19-24% and 18-21% of SL respectively, with a rather short pectoral-ventral length, 22-26% of SL (Ref. 35836). The caudal peduncle is deep, 11-12% of standard length (Ref. 35836). Scales: 12-14 predorsal scales (Ref. 35836). Live specimens are rather dark greenish brown, the back being darker, with usually greenish fins (Ref. 35836). In alcohol the basic color is a dull yellowish brown, the back being darker (Ref. 35836).