Snout long, narrow, sharply pointed; orbit about 1.4, internasal about 2.0 into snout length; anterolateral margin completely supported by bone. Orbit diameter 1.2 of interorbital width. Mouth small, upper jaw slightly less than orbit diameter. Subopercle terminates in long slender tip. Dermal window of light organ small but prominent, external length about equal to length of posterior nostril. Anus slightly removed from anal fin. Underside of head covered with small prickly scales except along margins; nasal fossa and top of snout scaled. Body scales with 6 to 8 widely divergent spinule rows, middle row largest. First dorsal dark dusky, other fins dusky; body lacking distinctive markings in adults, but with faint to prominent saddles in young; mouth black, gums dark.