This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,7; A I,7; posterior longitudinal scales 5-8, restricted to the caudal peduncle; body depth at pelvic-fin origin 16.6-17.9% SL; depth at anal-fin origin 13.3-13.6% SL; with cephalic sensory-canal pores; live colour unknown, but alcohol-preserved specimens have conspicuous dark bands below eye and across opercle, a pair of relatively large black spots at caudal-fin base, and dorsal surface of snout and nape with numerous black spots, streaks, and stellate markings (Ref. 116128).