Large spine at lower posterior edge of preoperculum; characterized further by pale grey body color with narrow brown stripes and longitudinal rows of small white dots on side of body; lower side of body with row of five large rectangular brown blotches; irregular brown saddles along back; large grey spot above base of pectoral fin; elongate and filamentous fourth dorsal spine; rounded caudal fin; longitudinal scale series 23-25; head and nape without scales; ctenoid body scales except cycloid on abdomen, base of pectoral fin and prepelvic region; median predorsal scales absent; opening of gill not reaching to above edge of preopercle; moderately long cheek spine, 21-27% head length, not reaching posterior margin of opercular membrane; depth of body 4.8-5.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).