This species is distinguished by the following characters: usually 6-9 pored lateral-line scales and 14-16 gill rakers and rudiments; body scale margins are uniform to narrow dark edged; body mottled brown with 2-3 faint dark bars, the first below posterior part of first dorsal fin, the second below mid-second dorsal fin, and the third on anterior caudal peduncle; axil of pectoral fin without spot; 3 whitish basicaudal spots; no white spot behind posterior base of soft dorsal fin; second dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin pale with faint reddish banding (Ref. 93673).