Body mottled with brown and white blotches above, whitish below; back crossed by 4-5 dark bands which may be indistinct (Ref. 4315). Lips with a row of small fleshy papillae. Base of lower opercular spine concealed by scales. Dorsal fin rays usually 11. Iris lappet bearing short branches with bifurcate tips.

Description: Characterized by having its 1-3 anterior lateral-line scales bearing small spine; relatively broad interorbital width, 2.0-2.5 in greatest diameter of eye; 2-3 preopercular spine, uppermost longest; absence of preorbital spines; five stout spines on suborbital ridge (Ref. 90102).