This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D 12; A 10; pectoral-fin rays 19; many two-rooted spinules on dorsal and ventral side of the body; two lateral lines with the upper joining the lower in the area above or behind the anal fin; nostril/nasal organ in the form of a depression, a slightly raised margin, expanded before and behind into a pair of elongate flaps, resembling an upraised cup with 2 fleshy lobes; both back and belly have spines (vs. only belly with spines in C. patoca). Colouration: dorsal half of head and body covered with fine brown reticulations and many white spots; ventral half of head and body silvery white covered by many white spots from chin to above anal-fin origin; dorsal rim of eye pale yellow (Ref. 126654).