This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: body scaled from the caudal peduncle to the base of pectoral fin, scales in a wedge shape to under anterior of second dorsal-fin base, then continuing anteriorly in a row of 4-5 scales, row slightly tapering anteriorly; a naked area extends from the upper pectoral-fin base to 3rd of 4th ray of second dorsal fin (rarely extending further) and from the lower pectoral-fin base to 3rd or 4th anal-fin ray (rarely extending further); upper jaw 41.5% in head length (HL); lateral scales modally 26; pectoral fin 19 (18-20) (Ref. 104557).