This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,8; A I,7; pectoral-fin rays 15-17, with most rays unbranched; scale series - longitudinal 23-25; transverse counted forward 7; median predorsal scales 6-8 (usually 7 or 8), the scales reaching to just behind eye; eyes are slightly elevated resulting in a shallow pit in interorbital area and a shallow groove along dorsoposterior margin of eye; the pectoral-fin base is covered with 2 large cycloid scales (and 1 or 2 smaller scales); prepelvic area covered with about 3-6 rows of cycloid scales; reduced transverse pattern of sensory papilla rows on cheek; nape with 1-2 modified elongate papillae behind each eye; connected pelvic fins form a plate, no interspinal membrane, the fifth ray with 2 dichotomous branches; head and body with broad, irregular, brown bars, the last bar posteriorly on caudal peduncle extending basally onto rays of caudal fin; head with 3 dark brown bars below eye; the basal quarter of second and third membranes of first dorsal fin with diffuse dark blotch; 2 subcutaneous dark brown spots along the anal-fin base, 2 similar spots ventrally on caudal peduncle behind rear base of anal fin (Ref. 104898).