Patch of scales present on gular portion. Head and body with 2 bold stripes running from the tip of the snout to the middle of the caudal fin, one on the upper and the other on the lower part of the body; with growth the bands gradually break up into several (5-9) black blotches in adults (Ref. 41526). Belly with oblique bars; 5 scale rows between lateral line and base of anterior dorsal rays (Ref. 43281).