This species is characterized by the following: D 9-11 (usually 10, rarely 9); A 9-10 (usually 10); pectoral rays 15-18 (usually 17); gill rakers 7-9; body depth between origins of dorsal and anal fins 2.8-3.25 in SL; head length (HL) 2.3-2.55 in SL; interorbital width 3.9-4.45 in HL; gill opening 3.7-4.75 in HL; anal fin origin below or anterior to rear base of dorsal fin, preanal length 1.35-1.4 in SL; longest dorsal ray 2.2-2.5 in HL; preserved colour pale grey to pale tan with 3 triangular dark brown saddle-like bars dorsally on body, progressively more oblique posteriorly, the first extending narrowly to ventral edge of gill opening, the second to level of lower edge of pectoral-fin base and enclosing base of dorsal fin posteriorly, and the last ending at upper base of caudal fin; a dark brown band run across posterior interorbital and anterior occiput; a dark brown spot below base of pectoral fin; head and body with many small pale spots (most about half pupil diameter), faint or absent on paler parts of body but very evident on edges, within dark bars, and on head where ground colour darker; around eye are narrow pale bands and spots; pale lips encircled with a narrow dusky band; a thin dark brown line midventrally on abdomen and chest present or absent (may be broken to long segments); pale fins, with upper and lower margins of caudal fin with a broad brown band, darker at base; when fresh, noteworthy are the many small yellow spots, and the lack of blue spots - blue only between yellow markings around eye (Ref. 83660).