This species differs from the other species of the spinosa complex in having the following set of characters: cheek spines 6-10; all are short and the similar in size, length of longest spine 1.6-2.2% SL; first dorsal fin with no filamentous spines; distinct black spot on first dorsal fin absent; caudal fin base with a small vertically-elongate ovoid black spot; head and body, except for minute, dusky and slightly faded orange or yellow dots, have no vivid reddish orange spots ; underneath the eye is a distinct, narrow ventrally pointed vertical black bar (Ref. 75136); characterized further by absence of prolonged spines; longitudinal scale series 23-24; ctenoid scales on body, becoming cycloid anterior to pelvic and pectoral fins; rounded caudal fin; depth of body 4.0-4.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).