This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: the body is extremely slender, with depth 1.2% TL and 1.0% TL at gill opening and anus, respectively; pre-dorsal-fin vertebrae 8 and pre-anal-fin vertebrae 67, total vertebrae 197; origin of dorsal fin slightly posterior to tip of appressed pectoral fin; chin with numerous small conical cirri; lateral line with 2-3 rows of dark spots above and below; interorbital space with 6-7 rows of dark spots; a large distinct white rectangular blotch on opercle; number and density of spots on head greater than those on body; lips spotted; ground color of body uniformly cream, no microscopic dark speckles (Ref. 121479).