This species is distinguished by the following characters: upper jaw extending about 0.7-0.9 eye diameters behind posterior margin of orbit, the maxilla widest at end, without a flexible lamina posteriorly; D XI,11; A II,10. Colouration: body generally yellowish brown, slightly darker on back, with narrow red-brown stripes outlining each yellow-tan lateral scale row and fins without dark spots are distinctive markings; cheeks with a few scattered, small, dark, brown spots, also with narrow oblique lines; posterior infraorbital pore positions occupied by multiple pores; most preopercular pore positions bi-pored (Ref. 75148).