This species is distinguished by the following characters: a single small isolated dorsal spine anteriorly; second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 13; snout long, 28.5-31.0% HL; larger specimens with interorbit narrow 7.7-12.0% HL; postorbital short, 50.7-56.4% HL; posterior portion of snout and interorbital covered with scales; upper iris lappet triangular; skinny sensory tubes from the suborbital bones and preopercle not covering the cheek region; preopercule with 2 spines, the lower slightly longer than the upper; fingerlike interopercular flap; a single exterior opening of the lateral line scales; head and body pale brown, with many small brownish spots dorsally, 4 or more dark longitudinal bands on caudal fin, and upper lobe of caudal fin lacking yellow blotch when fresh (Ref. 86914).