This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + 1,12; A I,13; single row of upper jaw teeth; fleshy tongue is rounded; upper lip is constricted; callus-like cornification usually present on the dorsoposterior surface of orbit; anterior nares are not darkly pigmented; without spots on gular membrane beneath preopercle or anterior process of quadrate; without dark spots on scales of trunk;absence of prominent blotches, vertical bars or basicaudal spot present on trunk; with membranous crest on nape which may be covered with scales; scales are ctenoid laterally on trunk posterior to middle of first dorsal fin, cycloid anteriorly; prepelvic region is fully scaled; lateral scales 52-72; the first dorsal fin low, spines of appressed fin do not reach posterior to 5th second dorsal-fin element; pectoral-fin rays 21-25; pelvic fins dusky, not barred or mottled (Ref. 103856)..