This species is distinguished by the following characters: vertebrae 56, pectoral fin rays 15 (6+4+5); terminal mouth oblique, its angle about 45°, posterior lower edge of lower jaw with anterior projecting blunt spine; very slender teeth, needle-like; long opercle long, slender and slightly curved, pointing posteroventrally but primarily down; lower margin emarginate, supported by at least two, possibly three, branchiostegal rays; coronal pore apparently absent; abdominal vertebrae forming a marked dorsal curve; mandible to abdomen end about 175% HL; dark brown peritoneum visible through body wall; stomach brownish, intestine entirely cream-colored (Ref. 92437).