Have a large spots on the soft-rayed portions of the fins and a fine pattern of small close-set spots on the body and spinous portions of the fins (Ref. 37816); further characterized by having ctenoid scales on body except cycloid anteriorly above lateral line, thorax and abdomen; body with auxiliary scales; greatest depth of body 2.8-3.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin; pelvic fins, 1.7-2.1 in head length (Ref. 90102); head length 2.4-2.6 times in SL; convex interorbital, slightly concave dorsal head profile at eyes; subangular preopercle, shallow notch just above the angle and the serrae at the angle enlarged in juveniles; straight upper edge of operculum; diameter of posterior nostrils about twice that of anterior nostril; maxilla reaches vertical at rear edge of eye; 2-4 rows of teeth on midlateral part of lower jaw; pyloric caeca 30 (Ref. 89707).