This species is distinguished by the following characters: cephalic sensory-canal pore system complete (pattern 1), with the PITO pore very small; dorsal/anal fin-ray formula 9/8; some of pectoral-fin rays are branched; 5th pelvic-fin ray present; presence of a distinct dark occipital spot (intense in preservative, but visible in life); no series of small dark spots along dorsal-fin bases; 2 separate orange spots behind the eye; distinctive black marks on the underside of the head; side of head with large round red spots; scleral surface of eye with bold dark-brown-and-white markings (Ref. 115282).