This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D VI + I,7- 8, the second and third spines are the longest, with short filamentous tips reaching to between bases of first two segmented rays of second dorsal fin when adpressed; A I,8; pectoral rays 16, all are unbranched; pelvic fin I,5 with the fifth pelvic ray unbranched, 48-55% length of fourth pelvic ray; bony interorbital 53-65% pupil diameter; nape fully scaled with 12-13 scales on midline of predorsal; cheek and opercle covered with scales; scales ctenoid on breast (prepelvic); a prominent dark bar at caudal-fin base and scale pockets are strongly outlined with melanophores (Ref. 100512).