With 33-37 vertical scale rows; 4 predorsal scales; a blunt head profile, eye protruded a little from the dorsal contour of head, no hump behind head; 2 spines on lachrymal overlying maxillary (1st spine forward and 2nd spine backward), broad postocular and tympanic spines and many small papillae on head (Ref. 10895). Interorbital ridges elevated posteriorly to join tip of tympanic spines; base of parietal spines not curving into occipital pit; first dorsal spine 1.6-1.9 in second spine (Ref 42181).

Description: Characterized by mottled reddish brown color; anterior caudal peduncle often with broad irregular whitish bar; back below middle of dorsal fin sometimes with whitish area; upper opercular spine double; snout 3.4-3.8 in head length; interorbital width 7.0-7.8 in head length; orbit diameter 3.5-4.2 in head length below anterior half of eye is a deep subtriangular pit; depth of body 2.4-2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).