This species is distinguished by the following characters: 1st D VI-VIII, usually VII; 2nd D usually I, 8-9; A usually I, 8, branched caudalfin rays usually 10; pectoral fin 17-21, rarely 21; an anterior nasal pore medial to and slightly below level of each anterior nostril and a posterior nasal pore by each posterior nostril, a median anterior interorbital pore between front of eyes, a median posterior interorbital pore between end of eyes, an infraorbital pore behind each eye and a lateral canal pore along dorsal part of operculum, no preopercular pores; wide gill opening extending to below posterior preopercular margin; top of head scaled to behind eyes, in 11-18 rows, from 1st dorsal-fin origin; a small patch of scales near dorsal margin on the operculum and preoperculum (sometimes absent on preoperculum), remainder of head without scales; ctenoid body scales, in 37-49 rows; pectoral base and area before pelvic fin scaled (about 15 rows); 1st dorsal fin with rounded or triangular margin (Ref. 76773).