Diagnosis: predorsal scales sometimes present (at most 15); 32-37 (usually not more than 35) scales in longitudinal series (including scales on caudal fin base); 11-15 (usually not more than 13) scales in rearward transverse series; 15-16 pectoral-fin rays (Ref. 57413, 81660).

Description: head naked on sides, or with a few cycloid scales on operculum; predorsal scales present or absent (at most, 15 cycloid scales in a narrow series extending anteriorly to level of preoperculum); ctenoid scales on flanks; abdomen fully scaled; 1st dorsal fin: VI (rarely V); 2nd dorsal fin: I,7-10 (usually 8 or 9); anal fin: I,6-9 (usually 6 or 7); pectoral fins: 15-16; caudal fin rounded with 14-15 segmented rays, 11-13 of which are branched; 5-6 prearticular neuromast rows on ventral part of head, running transversely from lower jaw towards gular region (Ref. 57413, 81660).

Coloration: Preserved specimens: head light to dark brown, sometimes marbled with brown spots over suborbital region and operculum; posterodorsal part of operculum sometimes with white patch near pectoral-fin base; body light brown with 4-7 vertical or oblique dark bars and a dark vertical bar at base of caudal fin; 1st dorsal fin more or less pigmented, sometimes very dark, or may have 1-2 dark bands; 2nd dorsal and anal fins usually marbled, with 2-3 dark longitudinal bands, both fins with a transparent distal margin; caudal fin with 2-4 vertical bands of spots; pectorals and pelvics lighter than other fins, pectorals sometimes with a dark spot adjacent to outer (dorsal) rays and a small dark spot near inner (ventral) rays (Ref. 57413, 81660).