This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XI,16-18 (usually 17); pectoral rays 17-18; lateral-line scales usually 49-52; gill rakers 25-29; caudal fin is slightly emarginate; the membranes of spinous portion of dorsal fin slightly incised; the third or fourth dorsal spines longest, 2.5-3.2 in head length; soft portion of anal fin is distinctly angular, with third or fourth ray longest, 1.8-2.7 in HL. Colouration: head, body, and fins whitish with numerous, small, close-set, dark brown spots, becoming more widely spaced on the abdomen and ches and the posterior margin of caudal fin without a narrow, clear whitish margin (Ref. 93732).