This species is distinguished by the following characters: D IV-I,10; A I,8-9; pectoral-fin rays 16; scales in longitudinal series 65-81; predorsal scales 0-15; anterior scales cycloid, posterior scales ctenoid; anterior part of breast, prepelvic region, and pectoral-fin base are naked; head naked except on the side of nape and predorsal region, where scales extend anteriorly to about level of middle of operculum; body depth at pelvic-fin origin 4.4-5.2, mean 4.8; vomerine teeth present; gill opening extending forward to a vertical at posterior edge of preoperculum or slightly anterior; dorsal-fin spines progressively longer to fourth, longest 1.6-2.7 in HL; caudal fin rounded, 2.7-3.1 in HL; pectoral fins reaching level of anus or just beyond (3.7-4.7 in SL); pelvic fins reaching posteriorly to anus (3.6-4.3 in SL). Colouration: live individuals are black, fins are black with clear distal margins (Ref. 118501).