This species is distinguished by the following characters: D XIV (rarely XIII),12-14 (usually XIV,14); A II,12-15 (usually 14-15); pectoral-fin rays 17-19 (rarely 19); tubed lateral-line scales 17-19 (usually 18); total gill rakers on first arch 18-20 (rarely 20); body depth 1.8-2.0 (mean 1.9) in SL; scales absent on preorbital and suborbital; lower margin of suborbital series with 4-12 serrae; color in life mainly dark brown, nearly black, with contrasting blue areas around mouth (including isthmus), below eye, and along margin of preopercle; iris of adult mostly dark gray with a narrow bronze ring around pupil (Ref. 118654).