This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 65-67; A 42-43; all fin rays branched, except first 14 of dorsal fin, first of anal fin, and lateral 2 of caudal fin; lateral-line scales 66-69; vertebrae 33 or 34; dorsal pterygiophores anterior to fourth neural spine 15 or 16; body depth 2.5 (2.35) in SL; head length 4.35 in SL; caudal peduncle short, 9-14 in head length; snout length 2.75 in head length; tubular anterior nostril conical, as long as diameter of upper eye; origin of dorsal fin at base of upper lip; in alcohol, colour of ocular side yellowish white with a faint longitudinal orangish band below the base of dorsal and anal fins; an indistinct dusky spot about twice eye diameter on lateral line about two head lengths posterior to head; scattered small blackish flecks, most from dark outer edges of scales; when fresh, colour of ocular side light yellowish brown, with scale edges darker brown, except within numerous dark-edged, pale spots that vary from nearly round to irregularly ovate, none larger than eye; fin membranes mainly transparent, the rays blotched and spotted with greenish yellow, especially basally; front of head translucent; lappet-like cirri anteriorly and ventrally on margin of head whiter (Ref. 95111).