This species is characterized by the following: pectoral-fin rays 21-24 (22) ; scales in longitudinal series 47-51 (49); pored lateral-line scales 27-29 (28); scale rows between last pelvic-fin ray bases 3 or 4 (3); scales above lateral line 2 or 3 (3), below 12-14 (13); scales between sixth dorsal-fin spine base and lateral line 3-5 (4); scales between last dorsal-fin spine and lateral line 4 or 5 (5); scales above lateral line behind head usually with no strong median ridge; central portion of inner ridge on ventral mandibular surface at the inner edge of dentary or closer to inner edge than to central ridge, no short ridge between posterior

portions of inner and central ridges; spinous points 0-6 on anterior margin of nasal spine, number decreasing with growth, spinous points 5-15 on entire nasal spine; spinous points 5-13 on surface of preocular spine; spines or distinct ridges absent on lateral margin of occipital pit between tympanic spine and origin of parietal spine base; ossified scale behind front edge of occipital pit between tympanic spines absent; dorsal surface of occipital pit smooth, no spines; spinous points 2 (rarely 1 or 3) at tip of upper opercular spine; posterior margin of maxilla extending slightly beyond a vertical through posterior margin of pupil; snout length 7.9-9.6 (8.6)% SL, upper-jaw length 19.1-22.2 (20.3)% SL, first anal-fin spine length 11.6-14.4 (13.1)% SL, second anal-fin spine length 18.4-22.5 (20.5)% SL, third anal-fin spine length 13.4-16.2 (14.7)% SL, and caudal-peduncle depth 7.8-9.0 (8.6)% SL; body without reticulate color pattern; caudal fin of preserved specimens usually without distinct melanin (Ref. 57438).