This species is distinguished by the following characters: base of caudal fine with a dark, y-shaped blotch and when fresh white spots on the pectoral fin near its insertion; head broad and depressed, the width greater than its depth; anterior oculoscapular canals reaching beyond postorbital region, opening through paired C, D, F, and G pores; right and left D pores distinct, separated by less than 1/3 orbital diameter; several sensory papillae in row 'n'; anteriorly protruding lower jaw beyond the upper one; maxilla extending posteriorly to or beyond posterior margin of eye; posterolateral end of mental flap indistinct; no fleshy, barbel-like processes behind chin; body with a series of broad bands formed by dark pigment patches; dusky caudal fin with dark blotches forming distich bands; predorsal scales 19-26; longitudinal scale series 71-78; modal vertebral count 15 + 18; first dorsal fin often with 6 spines, anteriormost pterygiophore usually inserted in 4th interneural space; modal second dorsal fin ray I,11, anteriormost pterygiophore usually inserted in 11th interneural space; modal anal fin ray count I,11, origin anterior to 3rd soft ray or second dorsal; first dorsal fin with distinct oblique bands, a dark blotch on posterior margin (Ref. 81467).