This species is characterized by the following features: 15-17 (usually 16) pectoral-fin rays; 47-49 (usually 48) vertebrae; 4-5+15-17 (usually 16) gill-rakers, upper limb with 3 fully formed rakers and 1-2 rudiments; 47-49 (usually 48) lateral-line scales; 4.5 scales above lateral line; 3 rows of scales on cheeks; supraocular ridge above middle three-quarters of the eye; large eye 2.5-3.1 (mean 2.7) in head; moderately small adipose fin, 1.7-3.7% (mean 3.1%) SL; anal fin of moderate height, 20.1-24.9% (mean 22.7%) SL; pelvic fin is distinctly longer than pectoral fin; dorsal fin with distinctly black leading edge basally and distally in juveniles or along entire margin in adults (Ref. 76813).