Distinguished from the other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: 2nd dorsal fin rays modally I/9; anal fin rays modally I/8; scales in longitudinal series 29-31. Anal fin origin inserted below third branched ray of second dorsal fin. Trunk usually with five or six middle series of blackish brown blotches. One (sometimes split into two) conspicuous brownish black blotch on posterior part of nape; blotch larger and darker in female than in male. Cheek and opercle with many irregularly short blackish brown lines and vermiculations in adult. Second dorsal and caudal fins with about four to five rows of blackish brown spots. Pectoral fin base with two or three small dark brown spots on the middle in male but usually two somewhat vertical black bars in female (Ref. 38646). With 0-3 predorsal scales (Ref. 43281).