This species can be distinguished by the following set of characters: D1 VII, with spines 1-4 slightly elongate; D2 I, 9; A I, 8; elongate pointed pectoral fin with 18 rays; pelvic fins separate, no anterior frenum or membrane connecting 5th rays, rays 1-4 branched once, 5th ray unbranched and one-quarter the length of fourth ray; no scales on sides of body or head; no modified basicaudal scales; papillae row 5s/5i connected forming a single row at the anterior of row b, interorbital papillae row pc’ with two papillae; head and preopercle canals and pore absent; one anal-fin pterygiophore inserted anterior to haemal arch. Colouration: distinct five conspicuous thin bars along trunk, bars bright yellow in life or black in preserved specimens (Ref. 113825).