This species is distinguished by the following characters: a single small isolated dorsal spine anteriorly, second dorsal and anal fin rays usually 13; snout short, 25.9-27.7% HL; interorbit wider in larger specimens 6.3-14.3% HL; postorbital short 51.6-60.1% HL; posterior portion of snout and interorbital covered with scales; upper iris lappet broad, usually slightly bilobed, the skinny sensory tubes from the suborbital bones and preopercle not covering the cheek region, preopercule with two spines, the lower slightly longer than the upper, finger-like interopercular flap; a single exterior opening of the lateral line scales; color of head and body pale brown, with many small brownish spots dorsally, sometimes several indistinct brownish bands crossing back,three or four longitudinal dark bands on caudal fin, and upper lobe of caudal fin with yellow blotch when fresh (Ref. 86914).