Adults are best recognized by the tiny light-blue ocelli scattered over the body, and dark triangle below the eye. Small juveniles have three distinctive white spots along the back (Ref. 48635). A deep quadrangular occipital pit, its anterior edge, as viewed dorsally, with a slight ridge. A low ridge on each side of pit between tympanic and parietal spines. Pectoral rays strongly modally at 17 (Ref 42181).

Description: Characterized by mottled grey to brownish red color with large obscure dark blotches and with few isolated white spots or blotches; single upper opercular spine; moderately long snout, 3.0-3.2 in head length; interorbital width 6.5-7.6 in head length; prominent fringed fleshy flaps on chin; numerous small tentacles, flaps and cirri on head, body and fins; presence of tentacle above the eye, up to twice orbit diameter in length; depth of body 2.7-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).