This species is idstinguished by the following set of characters: lateral scales 32; predorsal scales 13; with a few scales on upper operculum; no pelvic frenum, basal membrane is fully developed; papillae rows on chin parallel and not converging posteriorly; raised fleshy ridges associated with cephalic sensory papillae mainly confined to preopercular-mandibular series, those of opercle and cheek are weakly developed. Colouration: when alive mainly

reddish brown with widely-spaced, vertically elongate white markings below the dorsal-fin base and on the dorsal edge of caudal peduncle, cheek, opercle and dorsum of head with scattered white spots; dorsal and caudal fins are dark brown with white markings (Ref. 123123).