This species is distinguished by the following characters: D2 I,7; A I,7; pectoral rays 15;

segmented caudal rays 15-16, usually in 9/7 pattern; lateral scales 25-26; transverse scale count 8; predorsal scales 8-9; opercle with 1-2 rows of cycloid scales, cheek scaleless; shoulder girdle has a smooth edge; tongue is blunt; upper jaw teeth are very small, straight and sharp.Colouration: body whitish to pale yellowish with scattered small brown spots; the scales of dorsum with brown margins; a narrow black line or spot at the mid-base of caudal fin and two brown spots above and below midline, with the ventral spot always smaller (when alive yellow-brown) (Ref. 126575).