Can be distinguished from other species of the genus by possessing the following unique combination of characters: distinct secondary rostrum present; incomplete post-oral pouch present; pockets posterior to mouth corners; sublacrymal groove visible from side; body with plain uniform pattern when adult, with thick cream bars and blotches when juvenile, head dorsum plain; subopercular groove absent; gill slit vertical; sublacrymal groove present; a truncate snout when viewed dorsally; abdomen without scales; 55-61 scales on lateral line; pelvic fin just touching anal fin origin, adpressed dorsal fin not overlapping level of anal fin origin (Ref. 57871).