This species is characterized by the following, D VI+I,10-11; A I,11; pectoral-fin rays 15; longitudinal scale series 27; cheek scales extending nearly to a vertical at anterior edge of orbit; median predorsal scales extending to posterior interorbital space; fully scaled prepectoral area; 2+4 gill rakers; body depth at origin of pelvic fins 3.9-4.25 in SL; very compressed body, width 1.55-1.8 in body depth; head length 3.25-3.3 in SL; first dorsal fin higher than second, with longest spine 1.25-1.5 in HL; caudal fin is longer than head, 2.7-2.8 in SL (Ref. 82658); moderately large Gnatholepis (up to 58 mm SL) with nape midline scales always cycloid and most of predorsal scales cycloid; body pale with 6-8 rows of staggered dark brown spots, mid-lateral spots may be largest; transverse black line on the upper part of the eye joining somewhat oblique to curved black line or bar crossing cheek and ending well behind end of jaw; third to fourth first dorsal fin spines longest, fin with square to rectangular appearance when extended; lateral scales 26-29, usually 27; 9-11 predorsal scales (usually 10), all cycloid (Ref. 92171).