Diagnosis: snout longer than eye diameter; body depth 1.7-2.2x and head length 2.8-3.3x SL; caudal peduncle 0.8-0.9x long than deep; scale formula 12.5/46-51/14.5-16.5; 12.5 scales between lateral line and pelvic-fin base; characterized by ctenoid scales; scales without denticulations on posterior margin, but with parallel ridges prolonged as spines beyond posterior margin; short pectorals, half of head length; pelvic fins longer than pectorals, provided with scaly process at their bases; 17-19 dorsal fin branched rays; 19-22 anal fin branched rays (Ref. 2938, 81281).

Description: body deep and compressed; mouth terminal and armed with fine teeth aligned in single row in each jaw; eye covered by adipose eyelid (Ref. 2938, 81281).

Coloration: yellowish body with irregular black dots; two oblique, bluish-black bars on body: one between anterior part of dorsal and pelvic fins, other between adipose and anal fins; pectorals yellow, other fins black (Ref. 2938, 81281).