This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,12; A I,10-11; pectoral-fin rays 17, three upper rays with well-developed free tips, those of the first ray is longer than 3/4 of entire ray length; pelvic fins I,5, which are joined to form a disc, weakly emarginate (shortest branches of fifth ray 9/10 or more length of longest branches of fourth ray), with pelvic frenum reduced, frenum height in midline less than 1/5 length of pelvic spine; longitudinal scale series 33-35; transverse scale rows to base of the first dorsal fin and to base of the second dorsal fin 9-10; circumpeduncular scale rows 10-11; head with 7 transverse suborbital rows of sensory papillae, 5 rows in front of row b and 2 rows above row b, sixth row interrupted by row b; without tentacle above upper eye margin; anterior nostril tubular, with triangular lappet extending from posterior rim, posterior nostril slightly raised; many scales of the lower half of body are covered with dark orange spot; 2 distinct dark spots behind the edge of preopercle, and similar pair of spots at pectoral-fin base (Ref. 97667).