This species is distinguished by the following characters: unequal color pattern of numerous black spots on dorsal surface of head and anterior portion of body, row of 8 black blotches laterally along upper body and irregular narrow bands on caudal fin; D V,21; A I,17; pectoral-fin rays 16-17; pored lateral-line scales 52 or 53; transverse scale rows 4.5/14-16; total gill rakers 14-15; circumpeduncular scales rows 25-26; sensory pores above the maxilla 3 and one large pore at front of chin; free margin of preoperculum strongly serrated; a short prolongation on upper lobe of caudal fin (Ref. 101021).