This species is distinguished by the following characters: body depth ca. 20-25% SL; unbranched pectoral-fin rays, usually 15; cephalic sensory-canal pore pattern lacking only the IT pore, AITO small and opening dorsally; dorsal/anal-fin formula 8/7; fifth pelvic-fin ray 8-15% of fourth ray. Colouration: a small dark circular spot on area of preural centrum connected to a short, narrow dark vertical line over end of hypural plate; caudal fin of freshly dead specimens with 5-6 dark vertical bars, naris long and reddish brown; eye with two distinct white horizontal stripes, one crossing through upper margin of eye, the other crossing through lower margin of eye (Ref. 126577).