This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: snout laterally compressed, with width positioned immediately before anterior nostril 1.7-2.0 times smaller than greatest width of head; anterior and posterior nostril widely separated; upper lip crenulate or weakly furrowed; lower lip with two deep furrows, conspicuous simple mental lobes and short lateral expansions; supratemporal commissure complete, with 3 pores; predorsal distance 53.4-57.1,

mean 54-55 % SL; branched dorsal fin rays 7, tips of paired fins formed by second to third branched rays; caudal fin with straight to very weakly emarginated distal margin; vertebrae 40-44, modally 38; body scaled; dark pattern on body consists of irregular blotches often confluent into short transverse bars or longitudinal band along lateral line, no distinct dorsal saddles; peritoneum brownish, becoming paler with mottles ventrally (Ref. 133452).