This species is a member of the T. tevegae species complex (sensu Winterbottom 2005) with a broad interorbital space and a greatly expanded first haemal arch. It is further characterized by 15-18 predorsal scales; the second and third dorsal spines elongate; a fleshy, longitudinal ridge in the interorbital midline; absence of postorbital trenches; scales covering the cheek and opercle; the fifth pelvic fin ray usually branched dichotomously once; a pattern of six dark saddles across the dorsum on a pale yellow background; and, large adult size (to about 30 mm SL) (Ref. 59339).