This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: dorsal/anal fin-ray formula 9/8; pectoral fin rays 16-19 (mean 18), 5-6 lower rays branched; cephalic sensory-pore system pattern I (complete); fifth segmented pelvic-fin ray 11.5-22% of fourth; branches on fourth pelvic-fin ray 5-7, 3 segments between branches; non-fimbriate genital papilla; dorsal fin filamentous (to 36.9% SL); body with no distinct large dark marks; anal fin and lower half of caudal fin dark; scattered melanophores behind eyes on nape; when alive, small red dots cover the body but these disappear when preserved in ethyl alcohol (Ref. 83982); characterized further by longitudinal scale series 25; ctenoid scales, none on head, nape, breast and pectoral fin base; depth of body 4.7-5.6 in SL (Ref. 90102).