This species is distinguished by the following characters: complete cephalic sensory-canal pore pattern (pattern 1); dorsal/anal fin formula usually 9/8; pectoral-fin rays usually 18; spot lateral to pelvic-fin base absent; dark occipital spot absent; pectoral-fin base with no distinct dark pigmentation; without a dark spot on mid caudal peduncle; without transverse bars on head and nape; anal fin darker than other fins; in life, orange scale margins; presence of distinct dark spots on ventral side of head; iris reddish with scattered small light spots on dorsal surface; red blotches on sides are deeper than wide; some pectoral-fin rays are branched; fifth pelvic-fin ray about 10-15% of length of fourth ray; no membranes in pelvic fins and the branches are elongate and slender with 2 segments between branches (Ref. 107299).